How to set the GDAL_DATA environment variable to point to the directory containing EPSG csv files?

You can edit the environment variables graphically in Windows (e.g., this, or this).

Add a System variable with name GDAL_DATA and value of the path to the shared GDAL data (a folder with a several files, like coordinate_axis.csv, gcs.csv, pcs.csv, and other files).

To make the environment variable effective, you need to run cmd.exe, or log-out, or other method.

See also: http://trac.osgeo.org/gdal/wiki/FAQInstallationAndBuilding#HowtosetGDAL_DATAvariable

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Anaconda / Miniconda users

GDAL library and command-line tools are available via (e.g.) conda install gdal

The GDAL_DATA variable is properly set when the environment is activated. This is done for you if you start an Anaconda Prompt, otherwise you can activate the environment as documented.

You can also use the --config switch:

D:\ gdalwarp --config GDAL_DATA "D:/my/gdal/data" -t_srs EPSG:4326 NETCDF:"path":Soil_Moisture "C:\Desktop\SM.img"

See: http://trac.osgeo.org/gdal/wiki/ConfigOptions

for information on config options.

I tried to set the GDAL_DATA variable programmatically(C#) and @turgay's solution didn't work for me. here I found the working way:

OSGeo.GDAL.Gdal.SetConfigOption("GDAL_DATA", path+@"\gdal\data");