Convert BIL to BMP

Understanding BIL and BMP file formats

BIL (Band Interleaved by Line) is a raster file format commonly used in remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). It stores image data in a way that each line contains pixel values for all bands, making it efficient for multi-band satellite imagery and elevation data.

BMP (Bitmap Image File) is a widely recognized raster graphics image format developed by Microsoft. It stores bitmap digital images independently of the display device, making it a popular choice for simple image storage and compatibility across platforms.

Why convert BIL to BMP?

Converting BIL to BMP allows users to view and edit remote sensing or GIS data in standard image editors, share data more easily, and integrate with non-GIS applications that support BMP but not BIL.

How to convert BIL to BMP

The conversion process involves reading the multi-band raster data from the BIL file and exporting it as a BMP image. This may require selecting a specific band or combining bands into a color image.

Best software for BIL to BMP conversion

QGIS is a powerful, free, and open-source GIS application that supports both BIL and BMP formats. To convert:

• Open QGIS and use Layer → Add Layer → Add Raster Layer to load your BIL file.
• Once loaded, right-click the layer and select Export → Save As....
• In the dialog, set the format to BMP and choose your output location.
• Click OK to export the file.

Other tools like GDAL (using the gdal_translate command) can also perform this conversion efficiently:

gdal_translate -of BMP input.bil output.bmp

Tips for successful conversion

• Ensure your BIL file has the correct header and associated files (.hdr, .blw) for proper interpretation.
• If your BIL file contains multiple bands, decide whether to export a single band or create a composite image.
• Check the output BMP for color accuracy and data integrity.

Summary

Converting BIL to BMP is straightforward with tools like QGIS or GDAL, enabling broader compatibility and easier sharing of GIS raster data.