gdal2tiles.py

gdal2tiles.py is a command-line tool used for tiling geospatial raster datasets into a pyramid of smaller image tiles.

It is a part of the GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) suite, which is an open-source translator library for raster and vector geospatial data formats.

This tool supports a wide range of raster formats including GeoTIFF, JPEG, PNG, and more, making it versatile for working with various data sources.

gdal2tiles.py helps create tiles for web map applications, where serving smaller image tiles instead of a large raster file enhances the performance and efficiency of web mapping.

It generates the tiles using a tiling system known as the "Quadtree" algorithm, which divides the input raster into a pyramid structure of zoom levels and tiles.

The tool supports customizing the output tile format, including changing file compression, color palettes, and more.

gdal2tiles.py provides options for defining the tile size and the geographic reference system of the output tiles.

It can also generate a simple HTML file with JavaScript for easily viewing the generated tiles in a web browser.

The tool offers advanced features such as adding Google Maps compatibility to the generated tiles, including support for Google Maps overlays and tile schemes.

gdal2tiles.py is a command-line tool, which means it can be executed through the terminal or command prompt, allowing batch processing and automation of tiling operations.