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For best results when working with geospatial imagery in Encord, follow these steps:
  1. Choose the right image format Before uploading images to datasets, it’s crucial to convert them to either PNG or JPEG formats. These formats are widely supported by web browsers, ensuring compatibility across different platforms.
  2. Trim images If an image requires trimming, we recommend that the dimensions of the trimmed image don’t exceed a limit of 2500x2500 pixel, to ensure a smooth rendering experience. This limit can be adjusted according to internet speeds, with lower speed requiring smaller pixel dimensions to ensure a smooth experience.
  3. Use image groups for quality In scenarios where preserving image quality at the pixel level is crucial, consider using image groups instead of image sequences, since creating image groups does not affect the image quality in any way.
  4. Handling images with a high dynamic range It is important to preprocess images with bands that have a high or extended dynamic range (HDR), so that these images fit within the [0, 255] range. This ensures consistency when viewing images in the Label Editor.
  5. Match band count to channels Ensure that the number of bands in the image files matches the specified number of channels. If files don’t meet this requirement, they must be preprocessed to match the expected band count.
    • For Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) or Grayscale images the value will be 1.
    • For True or False color composites the value will be 3.
  6. Group multi-band images If you have a multi-band image and want to display various band combinations, we recommended combining into a single image group. This allows you to view and select different band combinations with ease.
  7. Upload and manage metadata Upload or attach preprocessed images to a dataset and save their metadata in the corresponding DataRow.client_metadata field when accessing them via the SDK. Remember that metadata can be added at any time, even after uploading the data to a dataset.
  8. Explore geospatial data interactively The Geospatial Explorer map view supports interactive cluster navigation. Click a cluster on the map to automatically apply a geospatial bounding-box filter that narrows the view to that cluster’s geographic area. Continue clicking clusters to progressively drill down into smaller regions. Once the filtered view contains 1,000 or fewer items, the map switches from clustered buckets to individual data points. Click any individual point to open the Item Preview modal for that item.
    The Show Similar, View Next, and View Previous actions in the Item Preview modal are not available in the map context. Map viewport controls and the style picker are hidden while the Item Preview modal is open.
    For full details on using the interactive map view, see the Geospatial Map View documentation.
  9. Switch map background styles in the Geospatial Explorer When exploring geospatial data in the Geospatial Explorer map view, use the Map / Satellite / Terrain style picker in the bottom-right corner of the map to change the background style:
    • Map — displays a standard vector map (respects your dark or light mode setting).
    • Satellite — displays satellite imagery with street overlays.
    • Terrain — displays a topographic/outdoors style.
    Your camera position (location, zoom level, bearing, and pitch) and any drawn rectangle selections are preserved when you switch between styles. The style resets to Map each time you reload the page.
    The Geospatial Explorer opens in cursor/select mode by default, so you can pan and interact with the map immediately without needing to switch modes first.
Encord strongly recommends using the Chrome web browser when working with the Label Editor for the best experience.