GCD 7.7.1.0 Fails to Import DEMs Due to GDAL Initialization Error

[Twalker30]

Summary
I am unable to import any DEMs into GCD Standalone 7.7.1.0. The software fails before opening the raster and returns a GDAL initialization error.
The issue occurs immediately when attempting to add a DEM to a project and appears unrelated to the DEM file itself.
System Information
• GCD Version: 7.7.1.0
• Installation Method: Microsoft Store
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Windows Version: 10.0.26200.0
• Processor Architecture: AMD64 (64-bit)
Error Message
The type initializer for 'GCDConsoleLib.GdalConfiguration' threw an exception.
The type initializer for 'OSGeo.GDAL.GdalPINVOKE' threw an exception.
The type initializer for 'SWIGExceptionHelper' threw an exception.
Unable to load DLL 'gdal_wrap': The specified module could not be found.
(Exception from HRESULT: 0x8007007E)
Full stack trace:
The type initializer for 'GCDConsoleLib.GdalConfiguration' threw an exception.
at GCDConsoleLib.GdalConfiguration.ConfigureGdal()
at GCDConsoleLib.Raster.Open(Boolean write)
at GCDConsoleLib.Raster._initfromfile()
at GCDConsoleLib.GISDataset.get_Proj()
at GCDCore.UserInterface.SurveyLibrary.GISDatasetValidation.DSHasSpatialRef()
at GCDCore.UserInterface.SurveyLibrary.frmImportRaster.PrepareToImportRaster()
at GCDCore.UserInterface.Project.TreeNodeTypes.DEMSurveysGroup.OnAdd()
Troubleshooting Performed
Environment Variables
Checked both User and System Environment Variables.
No GDAL-related variables are present:
• GDAL_DATA
• GDAL_DRIVER_PATH
• PROJ_LIB
PATH Variables
Reviewed User and System PATH variables.
No entries were found for:
• QGIS
• OSGeo4W
• Anaconda
• Miniconda
• GDAL
• Other GIS software that might create GDAL conflicts
Verification of GDAL Installation Files
The following files exist within the GCD installation:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps
NorthArrowResearchLtd.GCD_7.7.1.0_neutral__1rs5a4rynrdme
GCDStandalone\lib
Confirmed present:
• gdal_wrap.dll
• gdal202.dll
• ogr_wrap.dll
• osr_wrap.dll
• proj.dll
• geos.dll
• geos_c.dll
Verification of GDAL Data Files
The following GDAL data files are present in:
...\GCDStandalone\lib\data
Examples:
• gcs.csv
• pcs.csv
• compdcs.csv
• gdal_datum.csv
• ozi_datum.csv
• ozi_ellips.csv
Application Structure
The installation contains both x64 and x86 folders. Both appear to contain only SQLite.Interop.dll and no additional GDAL binaries.
Additional Notes
• This is the first time GCD has been run on this machine.
• The issue occurs before any DEM is opened.
• Because the GDAL DLLs and GDAL data files are present, the error appears to be related to GDAL runtime initialization, dependency loading, or Microsoft Store packaging rather than the DEM file itself.
Request
Could you please advise whether:
1. There is a known issue with the Microsoft Store release of GCD 7.7.1.0.
2. Additional runtime dependencies are required on Windows 11 build 26200.
3. There are any recommended diagnostics for identifying which dependency of gdal_wrap.dll is failing to load.
Thank you for your assistance.

[philipbaileynar]

I am sorry that you are experiencing difficulties using the GCD software. And thank you for the excellent details on your GitHub issue.

1. Have you used GCD in the past on this computer?
2. Is this computer managed by a corporate administrator?
3. Are you using any kind of virtualization software, such as Citrix or virtual desktop etc?
4. Have you checked your Task Manager to monitor your system resources and confirm that you have sufficient available memory and hard drive etc?

While I agree that this problem occurs before the DEM is loaded, have you tried any other DEMs? Are you able to get me a copy of the DEM (via OneDrive, DropBox etc)? Have you tried loading an area of interest (i.e. vector layer)?

[Twalker30]

Have you used GCD on this computer before?

No. This is a new installation and my first time using GCD on this machine.

Is this computer managed by a corporate administrator?

Yes, it is a corporate-managed work laptop.

Are you using virtualization software (Citrix, virtual desktop, etc.)?

No. GCD is running locally on the machine and I am not using Citrix, Remote Desktop, or any virtual machine software.

Have you checked system resources?

Yes. The machine has sufficient available RAM, CPU, and disk space, and resource usage is low when the error occurs.

Have you tried other DEMs?

Yes and the same error occurs each time.

Can you provide a copy of the DEM?

Yes, I can provide the DEM via OneDrive if required.

Have you tried loading an area of interest (vector layer)?

Yes. I tested importing a shapefile and received the same error. The stack trace differs only in that it fails during ConfigureOgr() rather than ConfigureGdal(), but both ultimately fail at OSGeo.GDAL.GdalPINVOKE with: Unable to load DLL 'gdal_wrap' (HRESULT: 0x8007007E) Additional information from my investigation: * GCD version: 7.7.1.0 (Microsoft Store installation) * Windows version: 10.0.26200.0 * gdal_wrap.dll, gdal202.dll, proj.dll, geos.dll, ogr_wrap.dll, and osr_wrap.dll are present in the installation folder. * GDAL data files are present. * No GDAL_DATA, PROJ_LIB, or GDAL_DRIVER_PATH environment variables are set. * No QGIS, OSGeo4W, Anaconda, or other GDAL-related paths are present in the system PATH. One additional observation that may help narrow down the issue: * I located an older installation of GCD Standalone 7.5.0.0 on another corporate-managed work computer. * Using the same DEM files, GCD 7.5.0.0 loaded the DEMs successfully without any errors. Let me know if you would like a copy of the DEM’s and shape file tested.