GIS Blog
Practical, technically honest writing on GIS file formats, conversions, coordinate systems, and the open-source mapping stack. Every article is hand-written from working GIS practice.
GIS File Format Comparison Table 2025
Ten GIS vector formats, seven axes of comparison, one table. The reference to pin next to your desk for the next time someone asks 'which format should we use?'
GIS File Format Comparison: The Complete 2025 Table
Eleven GIS formats, six axes of comparison, one table. The reference you can come back to next time someone asks 'which format should we use?'
GeoJSON vs Shapefile: Which Format Should You Use in 2025?
Both formats have survived for decades, but they solve different problems. Here's how to choose between them in 2025 — and why "just use whichever" is the wrong answer.
KML vs GeoJSON: Which is Better for Web Maps?
Both formats can show a point on a map, but they make wildly different trade-offs. Here's when KML wins, when GeoJSON wins, and why most web maps should use GeoJSON.
GeoPackage vs Shapefile: A Developer's Migration Guide
GeoPackage solves almost every Shapefile shortcoming. So why is Shapefile still the default in 2025? The honest answer, and a migration recipe.