gdalraster

gdalraster functions as an R interface to the comprehensive Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL), a widely recognized open-source library for reading and writing raster and vector geospatial data formats. This tool specifically provides R users with direct access to GDAL's robust capabilities for handling both raster and vector geospatial data, making it an essential resource for spatial analysis within the R ecosystem. Its core functionality is built upon API bindings to exposed C++ classes like GDALRaster and GDALVector, allowing R users to leverage GDAL's powerful data manipulation and conversion features directly within their R workflows. The integration facilitates efficient processing and analysis of diverse geospatial datasets, from satellite imagery to administrative boundaries.

Beyond fundamental data access and manipulation, gdalraster extends its utility by offering initial bindings to various GDAL command-line interface (CLI) algorithms, particularly those introduced in GDAL 3.11. This enables R users to execute complex geospatial operations that are typically performed via the command line, directly from their R environment, thereby bridging the gap between command-line power and R's analytical flexibility. Furthermore, the package incorporates bindings to the GDAL Virtual Systems Interface, which significantly enhances its data handling versatility. This interface supports seamless file system operations on a wide array of sources, including URLs, various cloud storage services, and compressed archives such as Zip, GZip, and 7z files, making it a highly adaptable tool for modern geospatial data management and analysis workflows.