Reprojecting Spatial Data
This tutorial demonstrates reprojecting a vector and a raster layer. In both cases, a temporary layer or new dataset is created with the assigned coordinate system. The original data layer is not changed.
Note: This tutorial reviews the basic parameters of the tools to reprojecting (we do not review the “Advanced” parameters here).
For your reference, the datasets used for demonstration are…
Natural Earth. “Admin 0 - Countries.” [shapefile]. 1:10m Cultural Vectors, version 5.1.1. 12 May 2022. Accessed 17 June 2025 from https://www.naturalearthdata.com/downloads/10m-cultural-vectors/
US Geological Survey. “Scene LC80250392025070LGN00” [geoTIFF]. Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS, collection 2, level 1. 11 March 2025. Accessed 18 July 2025 from https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/
Included in this tutorial:
Changing the coordinate reference system (aka reprojecting) of a vector layer with the Reproject Layer tool
Changing the coordinate reference system (aka reprojecting) of a raster layer with the Warp (Reproject) tool
Software version in examples: QGIS-LTR 3.40.5-Bratislava
Tutorial Data: This tutorial uses the 1:10m Admin 0 - Countries shapefile downloaded from Natural Earth and a raster layer from the Landsat 8-9 OLI, available from the USGS EarthExplorer.
Credits: Sally Kaye and L. Meisterlin (2025)
Changing the Coordinate Reference System of a Vector Layer: the Reproject Layer tool
To reproject a vector feature layer, access the Reproject Layer tool in QGIS’s Processing Toolbox. You can use the search function at the top of the toolbox or find the tool under the Vector general menu.
The demonstration below reprojects the “Admin 0 - Countries” dataset into the Robinson projected CRS using the following steps.
Within the Reproject Layer tool dialogue, the basic parameters are…
Input Layer: Choose an input layer to reproject. In our demonstration, this is the Countries shapefile. If any of the input layer’s features are currently selected, you have the option to reproject selected features only.
Target CRS: Choose the coordinate reference system of the resulting reprojected layer. In our demo: Robinson.
Choose how and where to save the reprojected layer. By default, the tool generates a temporary layer and opens (or adds) it to the current project. You can also choose to create a new dataset file by clicking the three-dot button to the right and specifying a name and location for saving the new file. You also have the option not to open the file after running the tool (with the final checkbox).
Click Run to complete the reprojection.
reprojecting a feature class with the Reproject Layer tool
Changing the Coordinate Reference System of a Raster Layer: the Warp (Reproject) tool
To reproject a raster layer, access the Warp (Reproject) tool by navigating through Raster > Projections > Warp (Reproject). You can use the search function at the top of the Processing Toolbox or find the tool under GDAL > Raster projections.
This example demonstrates reprojecting Band 1 of the Landsat dataset covering Houston, Texas. The Warp (Reproject) dialogue box contains several basic parameters:
Input Layer: Choose the input layer (required). Here, we use the Landsat layer.
Source CRS: You have the option to specify the CRS of the source (input) layer. If no source CRS is chosen, the tool will warp from the CRS of the input layer. In this example, we leave this box blank.
Target CRS: Choose the coordinate reference system of the resulting reprojected layer. This demo will use Texas State Plane Zone 4 [FIPS 4204], in meters. Navigate through the folders or use the search bar to find the desired CRS.
Resampling method to use: Choose the resampling method (required). In this case, we use Nearest Neighbor, as the values in this raster do not represent continuous data.
NoData value for output bands: If desired, you can set a new value for cells with no data. In this example, we leave this option blank or “not set.”
Output file resolution in target georeferenced units. You have the option to specify a different raster cell size (resolution) than the input, which can be very useful especially when the units of the target CRS differ from the original layer’s CRS. In this example, we specify 30m for the cell size of the output raster (which is, incidentally, the same as the original layer’s cell size).
Choose how and where to save the reprojected layer. By default, the tool generates a temporary layer and opens (or adds) it to the current project. You can also choose to create a new dataset file by clicking the three-dot button to the right and specifying a name and location for saving the new file. You also have the option not to open the file after running the tool (with the final checkbox).
Click Run to complete the reprojection and open the reprojected raster.
reprojecting a raster layer with the Warp (Reproject) tool