Exporting a map or chart to TIFF

A .tif is the standard image exchange format. It is a platform-independent file format used for bitmap graphics. It offers lossless and lossy compression options.

PackBits is a lossless compression method. It reduces a file size by reducing data redundancies. With lossless compression, the original data is restored when a file is decompressed.

JPEG is a lossy compression method. It reduces the file size by discarding some data. Once a file is compressed using lossy compression, the original data cannot be recovered. In any lossy compression method, you trade the quality of the image for a reduction in the file size. More compression means a lower quality image. You must decide a balance between file size and image quality.

  1. In the Export Map or Export Chart window, choose TIFF (*.tif) from the Save as type list box.
  2. Enter a value that represents the resolution produced by the display or printer in the DPI spin box. The closer the match between the resolution of the file and the display or printer, the better the quality of the results.
  3. Choose one of the following options from the Compression list box:
    • PACKBITS : uses lossless compression
    • JPEG : uses lossy compression. Enter a value that represents the image quality in the Quality box.
  4. Click OK.
Parent topic: Opening the Export Map window

© PCI Geomatics Enterprises, Inc.®, 2026. All rights reserved.