Prepare SID, JPG, and JGW Images in QGIS

Asphalt Intelligence uses GeoTIFF imagery. SID, JPG, and JPG + JGW files must be converted before upload.

Overview

Many aerial imagery files can be used with Asphalt Intelligence, but they must first be reformatted into GeoTIFF, the native file format used by Asphalt Intelligence.

This conversion can be completed in several programs, including ArcGIS Pro, Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, and QGIS. This workflow focuses on QGIS.

Common Image File Types

• SID — common aerial imagery format provided by government agencies, often used for large aerial and satellite images.
• JPG — common compressed image format, usually not natively georeferenced.
• JGW — small text file that provides georeferencing data associated with a JPG file.
• GeoTIFF — geospatial raster image format that includes location and scale information.

Install the Asphalt Intelligence QGIS Plugin

1. Download the latest stable QGIS release and start a new project.
2. Open QGIS.
3. Go to Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins.
4. Search for Asphalt Intelligence.
5. Click Install Plugin.
6. Make sure the checkbox next to Asphalt Intelligence is enabled.

Convert Imagery to GeoTIFF

1. Launch the Asphalt Intelligence plugin from the QGIS toolbar or Plugins menu.
2. Click Start Setup.
3. Click OK when the dialog appears.
4. Click Yes to load ESRI World Imagery.
5. Confirm that EPSG:3857 is shown in the lower-right corner of QGIS.
6. Select the appropriate conversion tool:
   • Load JPG + JGW → Convert to GeoTIFF
   • Load SID → Convert to GeoTIFF
7. Navigate to the local folder containing the source imagery.
8. Select one file to convert.
9. If selecting a JPG file, make sure the matching JGW file is in the same folder.
10. Click Open.
11. After conversion, click OK on the success message.

Verify the Converted GeoTIFF

The QGIS Layers panel will show the original image and the converted GeoTIFF image. Turn the layers on and off to confirm that the converted GeoTIFF is correctly geolocated and has acceptable resolution.

Find the Converted File

1. Right-click the converted GeoTIFF layer.
2. Click Properties.
3. Click Information.
4. Click the hyperlink next to Path.

This opens the local folder where converted GeoTIFF files are stored.

Upload Requirements

If the converted GeoTIFF is larger than 50 MB, it is too large to upload to Asphalt Intelligence. Smaller files upload faster and process more efficiently.

Use QGIS raster tools to reduce file size, clip imagery, or adjust image resolution before upload.

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