Convert ECW to MPK

Understanding ECW and MPK file formats

ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet) is a highly compressed raster image format commonly used for storing large aerial and satellite imagery. It is popular in the geospatial industry due to its efficient compression and fast display capabilities.

MPK (Map Package) is a file format used by Esri ArcGIS software to package maps, data, and associated resources into a single file. MPK files are used for sharing complete map projects, including layers, symbology, and data, making them ideal for collaboration and distribution.

How to convert ECW to MPK

Direct conversion from ECW to MPK is not possible because ECW is a raster image format, while MPK is a map package containing map documents and data. The process involves importing the ECW image into a GIS project and then packaging the project as an MPK file.

Recommended software for conversion

The best software for this conversion is Esri ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro). Here’s how you can perform the conversion:

1. Open ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.
2. Use File → Add Data → Add Data... to import your ECW file into a new or existing map project.
3. Arrange your map layers and save your project.
4. Go to File → Share As → Map Package (in ArcMap) or Share → Package → Map (in ArcGIS Pro).
5. Follow the prompts to create and save your MPK file.

Note: You may need the ECW raster plugin for ArcGIS to enable ECW file support.

Alternative tools

Other GIS software like QGIS can open ECW files, but only ArcGIS can create MPK files. You can use QGIS to view or convert ECW to other raster formats, but for MPK packaging, ArcGIS is required.

Summary

To convert ECW to MPK, import the ECW image into an ArcGIS map project and export the project as an MPK file. ArcGIS Desktop is the recommended software for this workflow.