Method and apparatus for handling data comprises decomposing data into a plurality of resolution levels using an integer wavelet decomposition. A transform module may be used to perform forward and inverse transformations on multi-dimensional data using integer wavelet transforms. A data stream is compiled comprising the plurality of resolution levels in a predetermined order. At least one resolution level of the plurality of resolution levels associated with a workflow application is accessed by a processor, and the workflow application is performed on the at least one resolution level.