GIS Format Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML, GeoPackage, DXF, GPX and more — to help you choose the right format for your project.
Shapefilecomparisons
Shapefile vs GeoPackage
GeoPackage is technically superior in every measurable way. Use Shapefile only when partners or legacy systems explicitly require it.
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Shapefile vs GeoJSON
Use GeoJSON for web mapping, APIs, and modern GIS tools. Use Shapefile when working with legacy desktop software or receiving data from government agencies that still deliver SHP bundles.
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Shapefile vs KML
Use Shapefile for desktop GIS analysis and data exchange with other GIS users. Use KML when sharing maps with non-GIS audiences via Google Earth or Google Maps.
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Shapefile vs KMZ
Use Shapefile for desktop GIS work and data exchange. Use KMZ when sharing a map with embedded icons or imagery with Google Earth users.
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Shapefile vs CSV
Use Shapefile for any spatial analysis involving non-point geometry. Use CSV when exchanging point data with non-GIS tools like Excel, databases, or data science workflows.
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Shapefile vs DXF
Use Shapefile for GIS workflows. Use DXF when exchanging data with CAD applications like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or engineering tools.
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Shapefile vs GPX
Use Shapefile for GIS analysis with any geometry type. Use GPX for GPS device data exchange — hiking tracks, waypoints, and navigation routes.
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Shapefile vs GML
Use Shapefile for most desktop GIS workflows. Use GML when consuming data from WFS services, working with government open data portals, or building OGC-compliant systems.
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Shapefile vs FlatGeobuf
Use FlatGeobuf for high-performance web delivery and large dataset streaming. Use Shapefile when legacy tool compatibility is required.
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KMLcomparisons
KML vs GeoJSON
Choose KML when you need rich styling or Google Earth compatibility. Choose GeoJSON for web mapping, APIs, and data pipelines.
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KML vs KMZ
Use KMZ for sharing and distribution; use KML when you need to read or edit the file as plain text.
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KML vs GeoPackage
Use KML for Google Earth visualization and sharing maps with non-GIS users. Use GeoPackage for analysis, large datasets, and multi-layer projects.
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KML vs CSV
Use KML for rich geospatial visualization. Use CSV for simple point datasets that need to work in Excel, databases, or non-GIS tools.
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KML vs DXF
Use KML for geographic visualization. Use DXF when sharing geometry with AutoCAD or engineering tools.
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KML vs GML
Use KML for Google Earth visualization. Use GML when working with OGC WFS services or government INSPIRE datasets.
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KML vs FlatGeobuf
Use KML for Google Earth visualization. Use FlatGeobuf for high-performance GIS data delivery and web mapping pipelines.
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KMZcomparisons
KMZ vs GeoPackage
Use KMZ to share maps with Google Earth users. Use GeoPackage for GIS data storage, multi-layer projects, and large datasets.
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KMZ vs CSV
Use KMZ for Google Earth visualization with any geometry type. Use CSV when you need to share point data with Excel, databases, or non-GIS tools.
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KMZ vs DXF
Use KMZ for geographic visualization. Use DXF when sharing geometry with AutoCAD or engineering software.
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KMZ vs GPX
Use KMZ for rich Google Earth visualization. Use GPX for GPS device data with native timestamp and elevation support.
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KMZ vs GML
Use KMZ for Google Earth distribution. Use GML for OGC WFS services and government data portals.
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KMZ vs FlatGeobuf
Use KMZ for Google Earth distribution. Use FlatGeobuf for high-performance web GIS data delivery.
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GeoJSONcomparisons
GeoJSON vs KMZ
Use GeoJSON for web mapping and developer APIs. Use KMZ when distributing a Google Earth-ready map with embedded imagery and styling to non-technical users.
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GeoJSON vs GeoPackage
Use GeoJSON for web mapping and small-to-medium datasets. Use GeoPackage when you need multiple layers in one file, large dataset performance, or a projection other than WGS 84.
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GeoJSON vs DXF
Use GeoJSON for web mapping and GIS. Use DXF when sharing geometry with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or engineering applications.
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GeoJSON vs GPX
Use GeoJSON for web mapping and general GIS. Use GPX for GPS device data where native timestamp and elevation semantics are important.
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GeoJSON vs GML
Use GeoJSON for web apps, APIs, and modern GIS. Use GML when consuming OGC WFS services or government INSPIRE datasets.
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GeoPackagecomparisons
GeoPackage vs CSV
Use GeoPackage for any geospatial data beyond simple points. Use CSV for point datasets shared with non-GIS tools.
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GeoPackage vs DXF
Use GeoPackage for GIS workflows. Use DXF when sharing geometry with AutoCAD or engineering tools.
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GeoPackage vs GPX
Use GeoPackage for GIS analysis and storage. Use GPX for GPS device data where native timestamps and elevation semantics matter.
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GeoPackage vs GML
Use GeoPackage for data storage and desktop GIS. Use GML when consuming or producing OGC WFS services.
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GeoPackage vs FlatGeobuf
Use GeoPackage for multi-layer desktop GIS storage. Use FlatGeobuf for single-layer web delivery and HTTP streaming.
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CSVcomparisons
CSV vs GeoJSON
Use CSV for simple point data shared with non-GIS users. Use GeoJSON for web mapping, complex geometry, and proper spatial data workflows.
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CSV vs DXF
Use CSV for point data exchange with non-GIS tools. Use DXF when delivering geometry to AutoCAD or engineering software.
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CSV vs GPX
Use CSV for general-purpose point data. Use GPX when GPS timestamps, elevation, and device compatibility matter.
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CSV vs GML
Use CSV for simple point data with non-GIS tools. Use GML when interfacing with OGC WFS services or government standards-compliant systems.
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CSV vs FlatGeobuf
Use CSV for point data shared with non-GIS tools. Use FlatGeobuf for any geometry type in a performance-oriented web GIS pipeline.
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DXFcomparisons
DXF vs GPX
Use DXF for CAD engineering workflows. Use GPX for GPS device data with timestamps and native track semantics.
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DXF vs GML
Use DXF for CAD engineering. Use GML for OGC-compliant GIS data exchange.
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DXF vs FlatGeobuf
Use DXF for CAD and engineering. Use FlatGeobuf for web GIS data delivery and modern geospatial pipelines.
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GPXcomparisons
GPX vs KML
Use GPX for GPS recordings and fitness apps. Use KML for styled geographic overlays in Google Earth or Google My Maps.
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GPX vs GML
Use GPX for GPS device data. Use GML for OGC WFS services and government standards-compliant data exchange.
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GPX vs FlatGeobuf
Use GPX for GPS device data and activity tracking. Use FlatGeobuf for web GIS data delivery and performance-sensitive applications.
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How to choose a GIS file format
GIS file formats differ in structure, tooling support, coordinate system constraints, and suitability for specific workflows. Shapefile remains the most widely supported format in desktop GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS, but it has a 2 GB file size limit, stores attributes in a separate .dbf file, and does not natively support geometry types like curves. GeoJSON has emerged as the standard for web mapping due to its JSON structure, GitHub rendering support, and native compatibility with Leaflet, Mapbox GL, and Deck.gl. KML and KMZ are Google Earth formats that support rich styling but have limited interoperability with non-Google tools. GeoPackage is an open OGC standard based on SQLite that stores geometry, attributes, raster tiles, and metadata in a single file, making it ideal for offline mobile GIS.
Use the comparisons above to understand the trade-offs between any two formats. Each page includes a feature matrix, when-to-use guidance, and a FAQ section covering the most common decision points. If you need to convert between formats, Maparz supports free, GDAL-powered conversion between all the formats listed here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Shapefile and GeoJSON?
Shapefile stores geometry and attributes across multiple files (.shp, .dbf, .prj) and is the standard for desktop GIS. GeoJSON is a single JSON file ideal for web APIs and web mapping. Use Shapefile for desktop GIS workflows and GeoJSON for web applications.
Which GIS format should I use for web mapping?
GeoJSON is the standard for web mapping — natively supported by Leaflet, Mapbox GL, Deck.gl, and most web mapping libraries. For large datasets, FlatGeobuf offers streaming and a spatial index. KML works in Google Earth and Google Maps but has limited support elsewhere.
What is the difference between KML and KMZ?
KML is a plain XML file for Google Earth with styling support. KMZ is a ZIP-compressed KML that can bundle images and overlays. KMZ files are smaller but contain the same geographic data.
Can Maparz convert between any of these formats?
Yes. Maparz supports free, GDAL-powered conversion between Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML, KMZ, GeoPackage, GPX, DXF, CSV and GML — no signup or installation required.
Need to convert between these formats?
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