2004.09.13 04:16 "[Tiff] libtiff and Microsoft Document Imaging problems", by Steve Nelson

2004.09.13 14:25 "Re: [Tiff] libtiff and Microsoft Document Imaging problems", by Frank Warmerdam

I'm having difficulties writing a tiff file using jpeg compression which Microsoft Document Image Viewer is happy with. I'm hoping someone there has a moment to help me if possible. I can provide version numbers etc if that ends up being useful, but first I wonder if there is any known issues between libtiff with VERSION 42 and Office 2003 version of MDI?

I first wrote a tiff file with 16 pixel high strips. The only viewer I've found which accepted the JPEG DCT / YCrCb compression format was Photoshop 6,7. I had some reason to believe that MDI insisted on a single strip, so tried that form. No improvement. At this point I'm at a loss as to which way to jump.

Steve,

I don't have an authoritative answer, but I believe that Microsoft Document Imaging uses the "old jpeg" method and I don't think it is possible for libtiff to read and write this format.

TIFF and JPEG is basically a nightmare because the original JPEG in TIFF specification was poorly done. A proper new specification was prepared by Tom Lane (in TTN2) and that is what libtiff uses. But some applications still use the old method - the most notable of which is the damn Wang / Microsoft document imaging thingy in windows.

Curse it!

This will be my last missive on old jpeg support till my blood pressure returns to normal. :-)

Best regards,

---------------------------------------+--------------------------------------
I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam@pobox.com
light and sound - activate the windows | http://pobox.com/~warmerdam
and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Programmer for Rent