GeoJSON vs GeoPackage: Web Interchange vs GIS Container
GeoJSON vs GeoPackage compared: size, portability, multi-layer support, and when to convert for web maps or GIS workflows.
GeoJSON and GeoPackage (GPKG) are both common ways to store vector GIS data, but they are optimized for different needs. GeoJSON is a lightweight web-friendly interchange format, while GeoPackage is a robust single-file container based on SQLite.
Quick comparison
| Topic | GeoJSON | GeoPackage (GPKG) |
|---|---|---|
| Files | Single JSON file | Single .gpkg database file |
| Best for | Web maps and APIs | Multi-layer GIS datasets and archiving |
| Multiple layers | Usually separate files | Yes, in one container |
| Size/performance | Can be large for big datasets | Often more efficient at scale |
When to use GeoJSON
Use GeoJSON when you need:
- A format that’s easy to inspect and share in text form
- Compatibility with modern web mapping stacks
Open GeoJSON online: /open-geojson-online/
When to use GeoPackage
Use GeoPackage when you need:
- A single file that can store multiple layers
- Better portability for GIS workflows
- An archive-friendly format for projects
Open GeoPackage online: /open-gpkg-online/
Conversions
- GeoJSON to GeoPackage: /geojson-to-gpkg/
- GeoPackage to GeoJSON: /gpkg-to-geojson/
Related reading
- What is GeoPackage: /blog/what-is-geopackage/
- What is GeoJSON: /blog/what-is-geojson/
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