OSM map: get GeoPackage instead of converting GeoTIFF → GeoPackage
Looking to turn a map from GeoTIFF into GeoPackage? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate GeoTIFF file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready GeoPackage. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download GeoTIFF → upload to a converter → get GeoPackage": you pick an area on the map, choose the GeoPackage format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How GeoTIFF differs from GeoPackage
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoTIFF | .tif | Raster | GIS analysis, remote sensing, CAD base maps, orthophotos |
| GeoPackage | .gpkg | GIS | Mobile GIS, Shapefile replacement, multi-layer data storage, offline maps |
How to get GeoPackage on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the GeoPackage format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready GeoPackage file
GeoPackage format properties
| Extension | .gpkg |
| Type | GIS |
| Purpose | Mobile GIS, Shapefile replacement, multi-layer data storage, offline maps |
When you need GeoPackage
The GeoPackage format is handy when you need to open the result in a dedicated program and keep working with the map: editing, printing, analysing or embedding it in a project. osm2cdr delivers GeoPackage split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going GeoTIFF → GeoPackage
A GeoTIFF raster is pixels, while the GeoPackage GIS format expects objects with attributes; an honest conversion needs vectorisation, which is always approximate. osm2cdr does not vectorise your raster: it takes OpenStreetMap vector data and builds GeoPackage with real objects, layers and a projection.
If you have your own GeoTIFF file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party GeoTIFF files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own GeoTIFF file that is not from OSM, convert it to GeoPackage with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the GeoTIFF and save the layer as GeoPackage. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: GeoTIFF → GeoPackage
Can I upload my GeoTIFF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading GeoTIFF files at the moment, so convert your file to GeoPackage with ogr2ogr or QGIS. And if your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you don't need a file at all — osm2cdr exports the map straight into GeoPackage.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to GeoPackage on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the GeoPackage format and download the result.
Which programs open GeoPackage?
The GeoPackage format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the GeoPackage format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online GeoTIFF → GeoPackage converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source GeoTIFF file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds GeoPackage with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate GeoTIFF file.