Geodata Converter
Learn about geospatial file formats, coordinate reference systems, and common GIS conversion workflows.

Formats

Compare vector, tabular, CAD, tile, and database-backed geodata formats.

Coordinate systems

Understand EPSG codes, projections, datums, and reprojection considerations.

Workflows

Explore common GIS data exchange paths and what to check when formats change.

Geodata formats
Common geospatial formats differ in how they store geometry, attributes, metadata, and styling.

Shapefile

.shp · ESRI Shapefile

Shapefile is an older ESRI vector format. A single dataset consists of .shp, .shx, and .dbf files that must stay together and are often distributed together in a ZIP archive.

GeoPackage

.gpkg · GPKG

GeoPackage is an open, non-proprietary, platform-independent and standards-based data format for geographic information system implementations based on an SQLite database.

GeoJSON

.geojson · GeoJSON

GeoJSON is an open standard format designed for representing simple geographical features and their non-spatial attributes using JSON.

KML

.kml · KML

Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is an XML language for expressing geographic annotation and visualization on web-based maps and Earth browsers.

CSV

.csv · CSV

Comma-separated values (CSV) files store tabular data in plain text with each line representing a data record and fields separated by commas.

GML

.gml · GML

Geography Markup Language (GML) is an XML grammar defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium for expressing geographical features.

SQLite

.sqlite · SQLite

SQLite is a lightweight, disk-based relational database engine that does not require a separate server process.

MapInfo TAB

.tab · MapInfo File

MapInfo TAB is a proprietary geospatial vector data format used by MapInfo Professional GIS software.

DXF

.dxf · DXF

Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.

FileGDB

.gdb · OpenFileGDB

Esri File Geodatabase is a proprietary format for storing GIS datasets in a .gdb folder; OpenFileGDB provides read-only access.

FlatGeobuf

.fgb · FlatGeobuf

FlatGeobuf is an open format for encoding geospatial data based on FlatBuffers, optimized for performance and streaming.

GPX

.gpx · GPX

GPS Exchange Format (GPX) is an XML schema designed for transferring GPS data between applications.

MBTiles

.mbtiles · MBTiles

MBTiles is a specification for storing tiled map data in an SQLite database for efficient serving.

Mapbox Vector Tile

.mvt · MVT

Mapbox Vector Tile (MVT) is a compact binary format for tiled vector map data encoded with Protocol Buffers for fast rendering.

ODS

.ods · ODS

OpenDocument Spreadsheet (ODS) is an XML-based file format for spreadsheets used by OpenOffice and LibreOffice.

Coordinate reference systems
A CRS defines how coordinates relate to locations on Earth and affects measurement, display, and interoperability.

WGS 84

EPSG:4326

WGS 84 is the global geographic coordinate reference system used for GPS, satellite navigation and most web mapping applications.

Area of use: Worldwide

ETRS89 / LAEA Europe

EPSG:3035

ETRS89 / LAEA Europe is an equal-area projection recommended by INSPIRE for pan-European analysis and statistical reporting.

Area of use: Europe (European Union member states and associated countries)

ETRS89 / UTM zone 32N

EPSG:25832

ETRS89 / UTM zone 32N is Germany's official projected CRS for cadastral, surveying and engineering workflows in most federal states.

Area of use: Germany between 6°E and 12°E (most federal states)

Common conversion workflows
Reference guides for typical geodata exchange paths, including example ogr2ogr commands from GDAL.

Shapefile to GeoJSON

A common path from desktop GIS datasets to web mapping and API-friendly vector data.

ogr2ogr -f GeoJSON output.geojson input.shp

GeoJSON to KML

Useful when moving lightweight web features into Earth browsers and map viewers.

ogr2ogr -f KML output.kml input.geojson

KML to GPX

Helpful for understanding the relationship between map annotations, tracks, and GPS exchange data.

ogr2ogr -f GPX output.gpx input.kml

GeoPackage to Shapefile

A practical comparison between a modern SQLite-based container and a widely supported legacy GIS format.

ogr2ogr -f "ESRI Shapefile" output_directory input.gpkg
Conversion considerations
  • Geometry types can vary between points, lines, polygons, multi-geometries, and geometry collections.
  • Attribute names, field lengths, encodings, and data types may differ between source and target formats.
  • CRS metadata should be checked carefully so coordinates are interpreted in the intended spatial reference.
Typical GIS data exchange workflow
  1. 1Identify the source format, geometry types, attributes, and coordinate reference system.
  2. 2Choose a target format that fits the intended software, web map, database, or analysis workflow.
  3. 3Validate the resulting dataset for geometry quality, CRS metadata, attributes, and expected feature counts.
ogr2ogr command patterns

GDAL's ogr2ogr utility is a common command-line tool for translating vector data between geospatial formats and reprojecting datasets with EPSG codes.

Convert formats

ogr2ogr -f GeoJSON output.geojson input.shp

Select a layer

ogr2ogr -f GPKG output.gpkg input.geojson source_layer_name

Reproject to WGS 84

ogr2ogr -t_srs EPSG:4326 output.geojson input.gpkg
Geodata FAQ

Which format is best for web maps?

GeoJSON is widely used for small to medium vector datasets, while vector tiles such as MVT are common for large interactive maps.

Why does CRS metadata matter?

CRS metadata tells GIS software how to interpret coordinates. Missing or incorrect CRS information can shift data to the wrong location.

What makes GeoPackage useful?

GeoPackage stores geospatial data in a single SQLite-based file, which can simplify exchange compared with multi-file formats.

When is WGS 84 appropriate?

WGS 84 is common for global latitude/longitude data, GPS coordinates, and many web APIs.