File Geodatabase Raster Support Limitations In Qgis

Raster dataset size restrictions

QGIS has restrictions on the maximum size of raster datasets stored in file geodatabases that it can access and render. Specifically, rasters over 140 GB in size exceed the support limits, resulting in errors when attempting to add them to a QGIS project. This restriction is tied to technical factors related to how QGIS interfaces with file geodatabases through the Geodatabase API. Attempting to work with oversized raster datasets can lead to crashes, failed rendering, or other unintended behavior.

Raster dataset format restrictions

In terms of raster format support, QGIS can successfully display and manipulate file geodatabase rasters stored using basic formats like TIFF and JPEG. However, advanced compressed formats like JPEG2000 and ECW are not able to be rendered. The compression methods used in these formats are not compatible with the way QGIS interprets raster data from file geodatabase sources. Users that attempt to visualize JPEG2000 or ECW rasters stored in a file geodatabase will face load failures or empty map canvases.

Raster dataset compression method restrictions

Similarly, there are limitations around file geodatabase raster compression methods that prevent proper displaying in QGIS. Basic lossless DEFLATE compression is supported, allowing reduced file sizes without quality loss for stored rasters. However, lossy compression like JPEG or wavelet-based schemes will result in degraded visual quality or failed rendering. The QGIS raster handling libraries rely on access to raw, uncompressed pixel data for correct visualization that lossy jpeg and wavelet compression are unable to provide.

Table of Contents

Raster dataset spatial reference restrictions

The coordinate system and projection information defined in a raster’s spatial reference system also impacts the ability for QGIS to successfully read and render file geodatabase raster data. Common simple spatial reference systems like WGS84 and UTM are supported. But more complex, custom spatial references may exceed QGIS’ ability to reproject and properly display the raster dataset. Attempting to load a raster with an exotic custom spatial reference typically generates reprojection errors that prevent access.

Examples of Attempting to Add Unsupported Rasters to QGIS

Error when adding large file geodatabase raster

For example, when attempting to add a large 150 GB multispectral imagery raster stored in a file geodatabase format to QGIS, the following types of errors are encountered:

“Invalid raster size: 150 GB exceeds rendering limits”
“Failed to fully load raster – check geodatabase raster size restrictions”
Empty map canvas when large raster dataset is added

The large file size exceeds what QGIS can reasonably render and process for file geodatabase raster types. The end result is failed loads or partially rendered images.

Error when adding JPEG2000 compressed raster

Similarly, attempting to visualize a JPEG2000 compressed raster stored in a file geodatabase generates incompatible compression errors like:

“Unsupported raster compression JPEG2000 found – recompress raster to supported format”
“Failed decoding raster – JPEG2000 codec unavailable”

Without native JPEG2000 decoding support, QGISraster handling modules can’t properly access the underlying pixel values, resulting in scrambled images or failed rendering.

Error when adding raster with unsupported spatial reference

Lastly, an example error when working with an exotic spatial reference:

“Reprojection error: Failed to transform raster spatial reference Mars2000 to map canvas WGS84”

For complex spatial reference systems without built-in transformation support, QGIS is unable to successfully reproject the raster to match the map canvas, limiting access to the raster.

Workarounds to File Geodatabase Raster Limitations in QGIS

While file geodatabase rasters present some inherent support limitations in QGIS, there are several potential workarounds to allow broader usage of raster data:

Convert raster dataset to supported format

Transitioning the raster dataset to a supported external format like GeoTIFF helps avoid size, compression, and spatial reference issues. Converting to GeoTIFF captures the core raster information in a standardized structure better optimized for GIS software like QGIS. Most modern raster editing programs allow batch export to multi-page GeoTIFF files. Avoid JPEG2000 and stick to lossless DEFLATE compression, and use a simple projected coordinate system during conversion to maximize compatibility.

Reproject raster dataset spatial reference system

For raster datasets with complex spatial references, reprojecting to a more widely supported system like WGS84 or UTM eliminates issues when loading into QGIS. GDAL-based applications provide robust spatial reference system transformation support to transition rasters to compatible projections QGIS can successfully render. Handle reprojection prior to loading problem raster data.

Split large raster dataset into smaller tiles

As an alternative to heavy format conversion, large oversized rasters can also be split into smaller fragmented pieces within the file geodatabase structure itself. Specialized raster editing tools allow automating the segmentation of massive files into chunks that fall below QGIS’ 140 GB limit for successful rendering. Maintaining the data in the native file geodatabase format avoids conversion issues.

By employing one of these workarounds, the inherent restrictions QGIS possesses when working with file geodatabase raster datasets can be overcome, providing users full access to their raster data.