What is MrSID?
MrSID is an image database that is equipped with several different types of functionality. Properly known as a multi-resolution seamless image database, MrSID features serves the functions of a viewer, and image compressor, and as a file format for raster graphics that are larger in nature. The basic capabilities of MrSID are made possible by a configuration that takes a series of small image tiles and builds one large image. Developed by LizardTech, MrSID was designed to make the assembly of these smaller images easier to manage, and without the integrity issues that are present in similar applications. MrSID is able to combine the smaller images in a manner that makes the completed large image seamless. The end result is one solid image, rather than an image that somewhat resembles the look of an electronic picture puzzle. MrSID also addresses one of the long time problems with raster imaging, which is the amount of time needed to open the file in an image viewer. The image database
MrSID is an acronym for Multi-resolution Seamless Image Database, a powerful wavelet-based image compressor, viewer and file format for massive raster images that enables instantaneous viewing and manipulation of images locally and over networks while maintaining maximum image quality. Features include unprecedented compression ratios while maintaining highest image quality, true multiple resolutions, selective decompression, seamless mosaicking and browsing. Does GIS software support MrSID? Yes! Most importantly, as far as MassGIS is concerned, the MrSID Portable Image Format integrates seamlessly with today’s most popular GIS software from ESRI, Intergraph, ERDAS, MapInfo, Bentley, Autodesk, and others. How is MassGIS using MrSID? MassGIS has taken advantage of the MrSID technology by converting all of its 1:5,000 Color Ortho Images, 1:5,000 Black and White Digital Orthophotos, Scanned USGS Quads, Coastal Color Orthophotos, NOAA Nautical Charts, and Forested Land Cover images in TIFF
MrSID is a proprietary data format that allows image files to be substantially compressed with little to no loss of image quality. This format, developed and marketed by LizardTech, Inc., allows you to view any portion of a MrSID image at any resolution very quickly. The name stands for “MultiResolution Seamless Image Database.” For more information, see LizardTech’s GeoExpress Product Overview.
