The .tif or .tiff file format, when used to store elevation data, is a powerful and versatile raster format commonly employed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and digital terrain modeling. In this context, each pixel in the image represents an elevation value, typically measured in meters or feet above a reference datum. These files are often generated from sources like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), photogrammetry, or other surveying techniques. The TIFF format's ability to store multiple layers, georeferencing information (using tags like GeoTIFF), and various compression methods makes it well-suited for handling large and complex elevation datasets. The elevation data is typically stored as floating-point numbers to allow for precise representation of elevation values. These files are used for a wide range of applications, including terrain analysis, hydrological modeling, visualization of 3D landscapes, and infrastructure planning. The GeoTIFF standard ensures that the spatial location and coordinate system of the elevation data are embedded within the file, enabling seamless integration with other geospatial datasets. The use of compression techniques, such as LZW or Deflate, helps to reduce file size without significant loss of data quality, making it easier to store and transmit large elevation datasets.