Convert BIL to GMW

Understanding BIL and GMW file formats

BIL (Band Interleaved by Line) is a raster image 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 certain types of image processing.

GMW is a workspace file format used by Global Mapper, a popular GIS software. The GMW file acts as a project file, saving references to loaded datasets, display settings, and other workspace configurations, but it does not store raw raster or vector data itself.

How to convert BIL to GMW

Since GMW is a workspace file and not a direct raster format, the conversion process involves importing your BIL file into Global Mapper and saving the workspace as a GMW file. This process references your BIL data within the workspace, rather than converting the raster data itself.

Step-by-step conversion using Global Mapper

1. Open Global Mapper on your computer.
2. Go to File → Open Data File(s)... and select your BIL file to load it into the workspace.
3. Adjust any display settings or add additional data layers as needed.
4. To save your workspace, go to File → Save Workspace... and choose the GMW format.

This will create a GMW file that references your original BIL data and any other layers or settings you have configured.

Recommended software for BIL to GMW conversion

The best and most reliable software for this conversion is Global Mapper. It offers robust support for a wide range of raster and vector formats, including BIL, and natively creates GMW workspace files.

• Global Mapper (Windows, paid, free trial available)

Other GIS software may not support the GMW format, so using Global Mapper is highly recommended for this workflow.

Summary

To convert a BIL raster file to a GMW workspace, import the BIL into Global Mapper and save the workspace. The GMW file will reference your BIL data and preserve your project settings for future use.