Convert IGE to TIFF

GIS applications, image editors, or print workflows that accept TIFF but not an ERDAS IMAGINE dataset may require this conversion. The source usually needs its paired .img file, so the .ige file alone is not enough.

What the IGE format is

In GIS, .ige is an external raster-data file associated with ERDAS IMAGINE’s HFA format. For large datasets, IMAGINE may store raster data in .ige while the matching .img file contains the dataset structure and references that data. The pair is used by ERDAS IMAGINE and compatible GIS software; .ige is generally not a standalone image.

What the TIFF format is

TIFF is a widely supported raster format used for editing, printing, exchange, and archiving. A GeoTIFF can also carry georeferencing information. TIFF supports multiple bands and lossless compression such as LZW or Deflate; traditional TIFF has an approximately 4 GB size limit, so larger outputs may require BigTIFF and compatible receiving software.

How to convert the dataset to TIFF

1. Keep the matching .img and .ige files together in the same folder. Do not rename or move either file independently.
2. In ERDAS IMAGINE, open the matching .img dataset and confirm that the raster displays correctly.
3. Run the Export Raster tool, select the open dataset as the input, and choose TIFF as the output format. The tool’s location in the interface varies by IMAGINE version.
4. Set an output filename such as output.tif. For GIS use, select GeoTIFF or enable preservation of the projection and georeferencing. Retain the source band count and pixel type unless the destination requires different settings. Choose LZW or Deflate for lossless compression; choose BigTIFF if the output may exceed 4 GB and the target software supports it.
5. Open the exported file in the intended application and check its dimensions, bands, pixel values, and spatial reference.

GDAL is an offline alternative if it has HFA support and can read the paired dataset: gdal_translate input.img output.tif. Use the .img as input and keep the .ige beside it during conversion. Avoid uploading only the .ige file to an online converter: it may not be readable without its companion file, and web conversion may not preserve geospatial information.

Quality and compatibility

Export settings determine whether the output retains the source pixel type, band structure, projection, and georeferencing. TIFF conversion does not guarantee that every item of source metadata will carry over, and BigTIFF is not supported by every TIFF reader.