The extension defines how to encode and store tiled regular gridded data - such as a digital elevation model - in a GeoPackage, and now supports additional data types and multiple channels.

16 July 2021: The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) seeks public comment on version 1.1 of the OGC GeoPackage Extension for Tiled Gridded Coverage Data (TGCE). Comments are due by August 15, 2021.

TGCE defines how to encode and store tiled regular gridded data, such as a digital elevation model, in a GeoPackage. The tiles contain values, such as elevation, temperature or pressure, and the extension defines two encodings: PNG and TIFF. 

GeoPackage is an open, standards-based, platform-independent, portable, self-describing, compact format for transferring geospatial information. For a primer on the capabilities of GeoPackage, read the blog post: #GeoPackageDay 2020 - what is GeoPackage?

There are two substantive changes incorporated into the GeoPackage Tiled Gridded Coverage Version 1.1 extension. These changes do not impact backwards compatibility.

• Support for additional data types in GeoPackage coverages, specifically: 8/16/32 bit signed integers; 8 bit unsigned integer (16-bit integer is currently supported, but only for PNG); 32-bit floating point (already supported in GeoPackage coverages); and 1 bit (e.g. as a binary mask).
• Multiple channels in a GeoPackage Coverage can now be specified.

The release notes containing the full list of changes seen in version 1.1 are available at: portal.ogc.org/files/98334. 

OGC Members interested in staying up to date on the progress of the GeoPackage standard, or contributing to its development, are encouraged to join the GeoPackage SWG via the OGC Portal.

The candidate OGC GeoPackage Extension for Tiled Gridded Coverage Data Standard is available for review and comment on the OGC Portal. Comments are due by August 15, 2021, and should be submitted via the method outlined on the OGC GeoPackage Extension for Tiled Gridded Coverage Data Standard’s public comment request page.

About OGC

The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is a collective problem-solving community of experts from more than 500 businesses, government agencies, research organizations, and universities driven to make geospatial (location) information and services FAIR - Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

The global OGC Community engages in a mix of activities related to location-based technologies: developing consensus-based open standards and best-practice; collaborating on agile innovation initiatives; engaging in community meetings, events, and workshops; and more.

OGC's unique standards development process moves at the pace of innovation, with constant input from technology forecasting, practical prototyping, real-world testing, and community engagement.

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