PMTiles to GeoPackage

PMTiles to GeoPackage Converter

PMTiles is a single-file tile archive format designed for cloud-friendly distribution of tiled map data with byte-range access. Convert it to GeoPackage locally in your browser, inspect the map preview first, and export the generated files without uploading anything to a server.

Source Format Guide

What is PMTiles?

PMTiles is a single-file tile archive format designed for cloud-friendly distribution of tiled map data with byte-range access.

PMTiles packages a full tile pyramid into one object, which makes it appealing for static hosting, object storage, and low-ops publication workflows.

Instead of relying on many small tile files, readers can request byte ranges from one archive, which simplifies deployment while keeping tile-driven rendering behavior.

Common Workflows

Common use cases

Static-cloud publication of vector basemaps and thematic tile layers.
Shipping tiled data to users who want one archive instead of many tile files.
Repackaging tile pyramids for simpler hosting and distribution.

Ecosystem

Where you will encounter it

Static hosting, CDN, and object storage delivery.
Browser tile readers and modern map publishing stacks.
Tile pipelines that want a portable single-file archive.

Strengths

Why teams choose PMTiles

Single-file tile archive is simpler to host and distribute than deep tile folder trees.
Byte-range access works well with cloud object storage and CDN delivery.
Good fit for modern low-infrastructure map publishing.

Limitations

Where PMTiles gets awkward

PMTiles is still a tile-delivery format, not a feature-editing workspace.
Some GIS users are less familiar with it than MBTiles or flat feature formats.
Analysts often need conversion before doing desktop review or attribute-heavy edits.

File Structure

Common file extensions and sidecar files

.pmtiles

Main single-file PMTiles archive containing tile data and index structures.

internal tile index

Embedded index information that lets clients resolve which byte ranges to request.

Conversion Rationale

Why convert PMTiles to GeoPackage?

Teams commonly convert PMTiles into GeoPackage when they need a portable database container for richer offline GIS workflows.

Teams convert PMTiles when they need flat feature formats for editing or analysis instead of tiled delivery archives.
They also convert PMTiles into other tile containers when downstream systems already standardize on a different archive type.
GeoPackage keeps vector layers in a single SQLite-based file that is easier to move than multi-file formats.
It is a strong target when users need transactional storage, multiple tables, or mobile/offline delivery.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about PMTiles

When should I choose PMTiles?

Choose PMTiles when you want a single-file tile archive that works well with static hosting and byte-range access.

Is PMTiles meant for editing features directly?

No. It is primarily a delivery format for tile readers, so editing and QA workflows usually convert it first.

Why convert PMTiles to GeoJSON or GeoPackage?

Those formats are easier to inspect as ordinary features when a user needs analysis, attribute review, or data cleanup.

Related Converters

More PMTiles conversion paths

PMTiles to GeoJSON

Open, preview, and convert PMTiles data locally in your browser.

PMTiles to ESRI Shapefile

Open, preview, and convert PMTiles data locally in your browser.