Format comparison
GeoPackage vs GML: SQLite vs OGC XML
GeoPackage is a compact, efficient SQLite database widely adopted as a modern Shapefile replacement. GML is the OGC's XML-based vector standard used in government WFS services. Both support arbitrary projections and rich geometry but differ dramatically in efficiency.
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Bottom line
Use GeoPackage for data storage and desktop GIS. Use GML when consuming or producing OGC WFS services.
GeoPackage vs GML: feature comparison
| Feature | GeoPackage | GML |
|---|---|---|
| Format type | SQLite binary | XML text |
| File size | Compact | Very verbose (5–10× larger) |
| CRS support | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple layers | Yes | Single feature type per file |
| Spatial indexing | Yes | No |
| WFS server output | No | Yes |
| OGC standard | Yes | Yes |
GeoPackageWhen to use GeoPackage
- Desktop GIS data storage
- Large datasets where efficiency matters
- Multi-layer portable projects
GMLWhen to use GML
- OGC WFS server output
- Government INSPIRE datasets
- Schema-validated data exchange
Convert between GeoPackage and GML
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I convert GeoPackage to GML online?
Yes. Maparz converts GeoPackage to GML — upload your .gpkg and download a .gml file.
Q.Which is better for large datasets — GeoPackage or GML?
GeoPackage is far better for large datasets. Its SQLite backend supports spatial indexing and partial queries. GML is plain text XML that must be fully parsed, making it slow and memory-intensive.