The KEA image file format

• A new file format which fully supports the GDAL data model.
• Specific support for very large file, with small file sizes due to compression throughout.
• Provision of a GDAL driver such that the new format can be seamless used within existing software.
• Support for raster attribute tables, allowing raster GIS operations.
• Built on HDF5 providing security of data archiving and broad support.

There are a large number of image formats already in use within the remote sensing community but currently there is no format that provides the features of: compression, support for large file sizes, ground control points, raster attribute tables and inbuilt image pyramids. Therefore, a new image format, named KEA, after the New Zealand bird, has been proposed. The KEA format provides a full implementation of the GDAL data model and is implemented within a HDF5 file. A software library with a GDAL driver have been freely provided to the community allowing use through any GDAL based software. The new format has comparable performance with existing formats while producing smaller file sizes and is already within active use for a number of projects within Landcare Research, New Zealand, and the wider community.