Decoding data arrays

Decoding, comprising: Decoding an encoded representation of an array of (image) data elements to determine a set of decoded (image) data representing the array of (image) data elements in a first, uncompressed data format, wherein the decoding is performed using associated metadata for the encoded representation, the associated metadata indicating one or more encoding parameters that were used to generate the encoded representation; The decoder determining from the associated metadata for the encoded representation the one or more encoding parameters that were used to generate the encoded representation and generating therefrom an encoding hint comprising an indication of the one or more encoding parameters that were used to generate the encoded representation; The decoder associating the encoding hint with the set of decoded data in such a manner that the one or more encoding parameters indicated by the encoding hint can be determined when the decoded data is subsequently to be encoded.