52 catalogued formats
GIS & Map Formats
GIS formats combine geometry with attributes, coordinate systems, and sometimes raster pixels. A shapefile is actually a set of related files, GeoJSON is a text format used by web maps, KML is common in Google Earth, and GeoTIFF adds geographic metadata to an image. Converting without preserving the coordinate reference system can place data in the wrong location.
Why this format suite matters
- Coordinate reference systems and projections are part of the data, not cosmetic metadata.
- Some formats require sidecar files to be usable.
- Web maps need lightweight geometry, while analysis may need full precision and attributes.
Common formats in this suite
A sample of the catalog. Not every extension has a live converter.
| Format | Extension | MIME | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESRI Shapefile | .shp | application/x-esri-shape | SHP GIS format |
| Google Earth KMZ | .kmz | application/vnd.google-earth.kmz | KMZ GIS format |
| Tagged Image File Format | .tif | image/tiff | TIF GIS format |
| TAB | .tab | application/octet-stream | TAB GIS format |
| 3DD | .3dd | application/octet-stream | 3DD GIS format |
| AUX | .aux | application/octet-stream | AUX GIS format |
| AVF | .avf | application/octet-stream | AVF GIS format |
| BIL | .bil | application/octet-stream | BIL GIS format |
| BND | .bnd | application/octet-stream | BND GIS format |
| BSQ | .bsq | application/octet-stream | BSQ GIS format |
| BYN | .byn | application/octet-stream | BYN GIS format |
| DT0 | .dt0 | application/octet-stream | DT0 GIS format |
| DT1 | .dt1 | application/octet-stream | DT1 GIS format |
| DT2 | .dt2 | application/octet-stream | DT2 GIS format |
| E00 | .e00 | application/octet-stream | E00 GIS format |
| GFS | .gfs | application/octet-stream | GFS GIS format |
| GPKG | .gpkg | application/octet-stream | GPKG GIS format |
| Radiance HDR | .hdr | image/vnd.radiance | HDR GIS format |
| J2K | .j2k | application/octet-stream | J2K GIS format |
| JGW | .jgw | application/octet-stream | JGW GIS format |
| JP2 | .jp2 | application/octet-stream | JP2 GIS format |
| JPX | .jpx | application/octet-stream | JPX GIS format |
| LYR | .lyr | application/octet-stream | LYR GIS format |
| LYRC | .lyrc | application/octet-stream | LYRC GIS format |
| LYRX | .lyrx | application/octet-stream | LYRX GIS format |
| MAP | .map | application/octet-stream | MAP GIS format |
| MIF | .mif | application/octet-stream | MIF GIS format |
| MWX | .mwx | application/octet-stream | MWX GIS format |
Showing 28 of 52 catalogued formats. Use the converter directory for supported tools.
Common workflows
Web mapping
GeoJSON is convenient for browser maps and APIs.
Earth browsing
KML and KMZ are accepted by Google Earth and many viewing tools.
Field data
GPX is common for tracks, routes, and waypoints from GPS devices.
Before you convert
Start with the application that must open the result. GeoJSON is convenient for browser maps and APIs. Keep the original file until the output has been opened and checked. A format name alone does not guarantee compatibility, especially for gis & map formats data that may include references, layers, or platform-specific metadata.
- Confirm the source file opens correctly in its original application.
- Identify the exact format and version the destination accepts.
- Keep the source until the converted file has been reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I convert a shapefile as a single file?
- A shapefile is a collection of files. Keep the .shp, .shx, .dbf, and projection files together when moving or converting it.
- What is the difference between KML and GeoJSON?
- Both represent geographic features, but their syntax and ecosystem differ. KML is common in Google Earth, while GeoJSON is common in web applications.
- Why is the data in the wrong place after conversion?
- The coordinate reference system may have been lost or misinterpreted. Verify the projection before and after conversion.
- Does this site convert GIS formats?
- Only supported converters should be used. This suite is a reference for formats and workflows.
- What should I check before converting a gis & map formats file?
- Confirm that the source opens in its original application, identify the format the destination requires, and keep an untouched copy. Test one representative file before processing a batch, especially when metadata, links, geometry, or layout matters.