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/