OSM map: get GeoPackage instead of converting TopoJSON → GeoPackage
Looking to turn a map from TopoJSON into GeoPackage? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate TopoJSON 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 TopoJSON → 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 TopoJSON differs from GeoPackage
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| TopoJSON | .topojson | GIS | Choropleth maps, D3.js visualization, administrative boundaries, compact maps |
| 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 TopoJSON → GeoPackage
Going TopoJSON → GeoPackage preserves both geometry and attributes; only the container model changes — a single file versus a set, the supported field types and the format limits. Such a switch is usually made for compatibility with a specific tool. osm2cdr delivers GeoPackage straight from OpenStreetMap data, with no intermediate TopoJSON file.
If you have your own TopoJSON file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party TopoJSON files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own TopoJSON file that is not from OSM, convert it to GeoPackage with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the TopoJSON and save the layer as GeoPackage. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: TopoJSON → GeoPackage
Can I upload my TopoJSON file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading TopoJSON 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 TopoJSON → GeoPackage converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source TopoJSON file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds GeoPackage with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate TopoJSON file.