Best Free GIS Formats: Which One to Choose
The GIS world is full of proprietary formats, but for most tasks open and free ones are sufficient. Let's figure out which format to choose for your needs.
Selection Criteria
When choosing a format, consider:
- Compatibility — will the recipient be able to open the file?
- Data size — hundreds of records or millions?
- Geometry type — points, lines, polygons, or all together?
- Attributes — do you need long text fields, dates, nested objects?
- Environment — web, desktop GIS, mobile app?
Format Comparison
| Format | Open | Geometry Types | Max Size | Web | GIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeoJSON | Yes | All | ~50 MB | +++ | ++ |
| GeoPackage | Yes (OGC) | All in one file | Unlimited | + | +++ |
| Shapefile | Partial | One per file | 2 GB | + | +++ |
| GML | Yes (OGC) | All | Unlimited | + | ++ |
| KML | Yes (OGC) | All | ~100 MB | ++ | ++ |
| GPX | Yes | Points, tracks | ~50 MB | + | ++ |
| CSV | Yes | Points | Unlimited | ++ | ++ |
GeoJSON — for Web
The ideal choice for web developers. Native JavaScript support, works with Leaflet, Mapbox, OpenLayers out of the box. Limitation is size: files over 50 MB slow down the browser.
GeoPackage — for Analysis
A modern Shapefile replacement. One SQLite file contains everything: multiple geometry types, long attributes, indexes. Works in QGIS, ArcGIS, Python (geopandas). Recommended by OGC as an exchange standard.
KML — for Visualization
Google Earth's format. Supports styles, icons, 3D objects. Ideal for presentations and sharing data with non-specialists — Google Earth is free and intuitive.
GPX — for Navigation
The standard for GPS devices and fitness apps. Stores tracks with timestamps, waypoints, and routes. Supported by Garmin, Strava, Komoot.
CSV — for Simplicity
Minimal format: a table with latitude/longitude columns. Opens in Excel, imports into any GIS. Ideal for sharing data with non-specialists.
Recommendations by Task
- Web map — GeoJSON (up to 50 MB) or PMTiles (any volume)
- QGIS analysis — GeoPackage
- Data exchange — GeoPackage or Shapefile (for compatibility)
- Presentation — KML (opens in Google Earth)
- Navigation — GPX
- Excel integration — CSV
- Government standard — GML
All listed formats are available for OpenStreetMap map export at osm2cdr.ru.