File Extension Database

Open ECW File

ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet) file format is a highly compressed image format most commonly associated with geospatial and aerial imagery. It was developed by Earth Resource Mapping, now part of Hexagon's Geospatial division, to provide efficient storage and fast access to large image datasets. In addition to its use in the geospatial industry, ECW can also represent the file format for Echoview's acoustic data files and engineering change order files. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to open and use ECW files and their various applications.

Geospatial Imagery - ECW File Format

The ECW format is widely used for high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery and provides lossy compression with minimal loss of quality. This compression enables fast access and efficient handling of extensive datasets, making it an ideal format for geospatial applications. To open and use ECW files in geospatial and GIS software, you can use the following methods and tools:

Hexagon's ERDAS IMAGINE

ERDAS IMAGINE is a comprehensive remote sensing and image analysis software developed by Hexagon Geospatial. It natively supports ECW files, allowing users to open, view, and manipulate them within the software. You can also use IMAGINE to convert ECW files to other formats, such as TIFF, JPEG, or IMG, for further processing and analysis in other GIS software applications.

ESRI ArcGIS

ArcGIS is a powerful GIS software suite developed by ESRI, allowing users to create maps, perform spatial analysis, and manage geospatial data. To enable ECW support in ArcGIS, you will need to install the "ER Mapper ECW/JP2 SDK" or the "ArcGIS for Desktop ECW Plug-in" available on the Hexagon Geospatial website. Once installed, ArcGIS can open, display, and manipulate ECW files.

QGIS

QGIS is a popular free and open-source GIS application that can handle various raster and vector formats. To open ECW files in QGIS, you will need the help of GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library), which provides support for numerous geospatial data formats, including ECW. Once GDAL with the ECW driver is installed, you can add ECW files as raster layers in QGIS for viewing and analysis.

Echoview's Acoustic Data - ECW Files

For Echoview users, ECW files provide a means of storing large amounts of acoustic data which the software processes and analyzes. In this context, ECW files can be opened and used within the Echoview software, allowing users to visualize, process, and analyze complex acoustic datasets for oceanography, fisheries, and environmental monitoring purposes.

Engineering Change Order - ECW Files

In the context of engineering change orders, the ECW file format is used to capture modifications to existing documents, schematics, or designs. These files can be opened and used with various engineering software solutions that support the ECW file format, allowing engineers to examine and implement changes in their designs.

ECW File Important Information

ECW files serve as a versatile and efficient format for various industries and applications, such as geospatial, acoustic analysis, and engineering. Due to this diversity, it is essential to have the appropriate software to open and use these files effectively. Hexagon's ERDAS IMAGINE, ESRI ArcGIS, and QGIS are popular GIS solutions that enable ECW file support with the appropriate plugins or libraries. Echoview software caters to acoustic data analysis, and several engineering software solutions support ECW files in the context of engineering change orders.

How Can I Open ECW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ECW file is to find a ECW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ECW file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open ECW file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as ECW file opener then try to search online for "ECW viewer", "application to open ECW file" or "open ECW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ECW file

How Can I Open ECW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ECW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ECW file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with ECW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ECW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ECW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ECW file then try to search for "ECW viewer", "application to open ECW file" or "read ECW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ECW file

How Can I Open ECW File on Android

If you downloaded a ECW file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded ECW file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "ECW".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "ECW viewer", "ECW file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open ECW File on iPhone or iPad

To open ECW File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the ECW file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "ECW". This way you can find apps which can open ECW files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "ECW viewer" or "ECW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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