
Geospatial Data Abstraction Library
The Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) is an open-source software toolkit that enables the reading, writing, and processing of various geographic (spatial) data formats used in mapping and GIS applications. It acts like a translator, allowing different types of spatial data—such as satellite images, maps, and elevation models—to be accessed and converted seamlessly across software platforms. GDAL helps professionals manage and analyze geographic information efficiently, supporting tasks like data conversion, map creation, and spatial analysis, making complex geospatial data more accessible and usable.