gdaladdo

Build overviews

$ gdaladdo [image.tif]

$ gdaladdo [image.tif] [2] [4] [8] [16]

$ gdaladdo -r average [image.tif]

$ gdaladdo -ro [image.tif]

$ gdaladdo --config COMPRESS_OVERVIEW JPEG [image.tif]

gdaladdo [options] filename [levels...]

gdaladdo builds or rebuilds overview images (also called pyramids) for raster datasets. Overviews are downsampled versions of the original image at multiple resolutions, enabling efficient display and processing at different zoom levels.
Without specified levels, the tool generates default pyramids. Custom levels define the subsampling factors (e.g., 2, 4, 8 means half, quarter, eighth resolution). Different resampling methods affect quality and performance: nearest is fastest, average produces smoother results, and cubic provides highest quality.
Overviews can be stored internally in the file or as separate .ovr sidecar files. Compression settings reduce overview file size. gdaladdo is essential for working with large imagery in GIS applications and web mapping services.

-r method

Resampling method (nearest, average, gauss, cubic).

Create external overview file.

Set configuration option.

Build for specific band only.

Remove existing overviews.

gdal_translate(1), gdalinfo(1)