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Errors importing 16-bit, 32-bit, and 48-bit image files

Joe McPherson

Occurrence:

One of these error messages is returned when trying to import a 16-bit or a 32-bit image file (*.tif, *.bmp, *.jpg, etc...):

  • "LEAD Tools error code -13.... image may be too large for LEAD Tools to open with the memory available on your system."
  • "The {drive and path}\{file name}.tif contains an image with 16 bits per pixel.  This type of file is not supported."
  • "The TIFF file {file name}.tif is not supported". then "Failed to determine grid range".
  • "The {file name}.tif file contains an image with 48 bits per pixel. This type of file is not supported."

Resolution:

  • If the pixels in the file represent measured data values (i.e. magnetic readings or elevations) and you are licensed for ArcGIS, convert the image file to a binary grid (i.e. an ArcGIS floating point grid *.flt).
  • If you downloaded the file from a geosciences site, see if they have the same dataset available as a binary grid and not an image file. See the supported Common Grid Formats.
  • If on the other hand, the file is an air photo or satellite image, you need to use a 3rd party image processing application to scale the image from 16-bits (or 32-bits) to 8-bits while maintaining the dynamic range.

To export a TIFF in ArcMap into a ArcGIS floating point grid:

  1. Display the TIFF in ArcMap.
  2. ArcToolbox > Conversion Tools > From Raster > Raster to Float.
  3. Select the *.tif as the Input raster.
  4. Choose the directory and enter a file name for the Output floating point raster file > OK.
    If you are using the Extensions for ArcGIS, use the converted *.flt file for Geosoft functions that require an input grid (i.e. to create contours, to plot a topography profile on a section map, etc...)

To open the floating point raster file in Oasis montaj/Target:

  1. Open or start a new project.
  2. Grid and Image menu > Display > Grid.
  3. Click the browse button to the right of Grid name.
  4. Change Files of type to ArcView Binary Raster Grid (*.flt) > select the file > Open.
  5. Add the file to a New Map or the Current Map.

Root Cause

Seequent only supports 8-bit image files. 16-bit and 32-bit image files are not supported but there is a request in our system to add support for these bit depths.