Format comparison
GeoPackage vs FlatGeobuf: Two Modern Formats
GeoPackage and FlatGeobuf are both modern alternatives to Shapefile, but they optimize for different things. GeoPackage is a SQLite database ideal for multi-layer storage and desktop GIS. FlatGeobuf is a flat binary format designed for fast streaming delivery via HTTP range requests.
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Bottom line
Use GeoPackage for multi-layer desktop GIS storage. Use FlatGeobuf for single-layer web delivery and HTTP streaming.
GeoPackage vs FlatGeobuf: feature comparison
| Feature | GeoPackage | FlatGeobuf |
|---|---|---|
| Format type | SQLite database | Flat binary |
| Multiple layers | Yes | No (one layer per file) |
| HTTP streaming | No | Yes (range requests) |
| Spatial index | Yes (SQL) | Yes (Hilbert R-tree) |
| File size | Compact | Very compact |
| QGIS support | Full (preferred format) | Yes |
| CRS support | Any | Any |
GeoPackageWhen to use GeoPackage
- Multi-layer projects in one file
- Desktop GIS with QGIS or ArcGIS
- Storing both vector and raster in one container
FlatGeobufWhen to use FlatGeobuf
- Web map delivery via CDN with HTTP range requests
- Single-layer datasets requiring fast spatial queries
- Cloud-native GIS pipelines
Convert between GeoPackage and FlatGeobuf
Frequently asked questions
Q.Which is faster — GeoPackage or FlatGeobuf?
For web delivery via HTTP range requests, FlatGeobuf is faster because it supports partial reads without downloading the full file. For desktop GIS queries on stored data, GeoPackage's SQL indexes are comparable.
Q.Can I convert GeoPackage to FlatGeobuf online?
Yes. Maparz converts GeoPackage to FlatGeobuf — upload your .gpkg and download a .fgb file.