Blog
Guides, tutorials, and insights about geospatial data formats, GIS workflows, and mapping best practices.
How to Convert Shapefile to GeoJSON Online (Free)
Convert ESRI Shapefiles (.shp, .dbf, .zip) to GeoJSON online for free. Step-by-step guide covering browser tools, ogr2ogr, and Python. No software install required.
How to Convert CSV to GeoJSON (Latitude & Longitude)
Convert a CSV file with latitude and longitude columns to GeoJSON online for free. Step-by-step guide with browser tools, Python, and JavaScript. Auto-detects coordinate columns.
GeoJSON vs KML: A Complete Comparison
An in-depth comparison of GeoJSON and KML geospatial data formats covering syntax, features, tooling, and use cases to help you choose the right one.
What is GeoJSON? A Beginner's Guide
Learn the fundamentals of GeoJSON, the open standard for encoding geographic data structures using JSON, including geometry types, features, and real-world usage.
How to Convert KML to GeoJSON Online
Step-by-step guide to converting Google Earth KML files to GeoJSON format using free online tools. No software installation required.
Understanding Coordinate Reference Systems in GIS
Coordinate reference systems explained: what they are, why they matter for geospatial data, and how to handle reprojection between CRS in GIS workflows.
What is KML? A Complete Guide to Keyhole Markup Language
Learn everything about the KML file format — its XML structure, geometry types, styling, and KMZ archives. Convert KML files online with GeoDataTools.
WFS vs WMS: Understanding OGC Web Services
WFS vs WMS explained — learn how these OGC web services differ, when to use each, and how they power GIS web apps. Try GeoDataTools free.
Getting Started with Leaflet.js: Maps for Beginners
Learn Leaflet.js from scratch — create maps, add markers, load GeoJSON layers, and handle events. Follow this beginner guide and try it in GeoDataTools.
OpenLayers vs Leaflet: Which Mapping Library?
Compare OpenLayers vs Leaflet across bundle size, features, and learning curve. Choose the best web mapping library for your project with GeoDataTools.
Introduction to GeoServer: Serve Geospatial Data
GeoServer guide — learn to install, configure WMS/WFS services, and publish geospatial data from PostGIS and Shapefiles. Convert output with GeoDataTools.
GeoJSON Best Practices: Tips for Clean Data
Master GeoJSON best practices for clean, efficient geospatial data. Learn coordinate precision, winding order, validation, and more with GeoDataTools.
Working with WMS: Consuming Map Tile Layers
Learn how to consume WMS map tile layers — GetCapabilities, GetMap, Leaflet and OpenLayers integration, and caching strategies. Try GeoDataTools free.
What is WFS? Guide to Web Feature Service
Learn what WFS (Web Feature Service) is, how it works, and how to use GeoDataTools to easily query, filter, and retrieve geospatial vector feature data.
How to Convert GeoJSON to KML: Step-by-Step
Learn how to convert GeoJSON to KML using free browser tools, ogr2ogr, and Python scripts. Step-by-step guide with tips for preserving styles and metadata.
Spatial Data Formats: GeoJSON, KML, Shapefile
Compare GeoJSON, KML, Shapefile, GeoPackage, and other spatial data formats. Find the right format for your GIS project with our detailed comparison table.
How to Display GeoJSON Data on a Leaflet Map
Learn how to add a Leaflet GeoJSON layer to your map with styling, popups, filtering, and clustering. Try GeoDataTools to preview your data instantly.
How to Publish WFS Services with GeoServer
Learn how to complete a GeoServer WFS setup — from workspace creation to publishing layers, CQL filtering, and connecting Leaflet or OpenLayers clients.
Getting Started with OpenLayers: Your First Web Map
Follow this OpenLayers tutorial to build interactive web maps from scratch. Learn tile layers, GeoJSON vectors, custom styling, and map controls step by step.
EPSG:4326 vs EPSG:3857: Which Projection to Use?
EPSG 4326 vs 3857 explained: compare WGS 84 geographic and Web Mercator projected coordinate systems. Learn when to use each in your GIS and mapping projects.
How to Validate and Debug GeoJSON Files
Master GeoJSON validation by learning to detect and fix coordinate order mistakes, winding errors, and self-intersections with free tools and GeoDataTools.
Web Mapping Architecture: Data to Map Tile
Understand web mapping architecture from data storage to tile rendering. Learn how PostGIS, GeoServer, and map clients work together in a modern GIS stack.
Introduction to PostGIS: Spatial Queries Explained
Master PostGIS spatial queries with practical SQL examples. Learn ST_Contains, ST_Distance, ST_Buffer, spatial indexing, and GeoJSON export for your projects.
GIS Data Visualization: Best Practices for Maps
Improve your GIS data visualization with proven best practices for choropleths, heatmaps, color schemes, labeling, accessibility, and responsive map design.
KML Advanced Features: Network Links & Overlays
Explore advanced KML features including NetworkLink, GroundOverlay, TimeSpan, Tours, and styling. Practical examples for Google Earth and mapping applications.
How to View KML Files Online for Free (No Download Required)
Open and view KML files online for free with GeoDataTools — no software install, no signup. Supports .kml and .kmz files with interactive map visualization.
Top Open-Source GIS Tools for Developers
Discover the best open-source GIS tools for developers: QGIS, PostGIS, GeoServer, Leaflet, GDAL, and Turf.js. Compare features, languages, and licenses.
GeoDataTools vs geojson.io: Which GeoJSON Viewer Should You Use?
Comparing GeoDataTools and geojson.io for GeoJSON visualization, conversion, and editing. Find out which tool is better for your GIS workflow.
7 Best Free Online GIS Tools in 2026 (No Software Install)
Discover the best free online GIS tools available in 2026. Compare GeoDataTools, geojson.io, Mapshaper, kepler.gl, and more — no software install required.
GPX to GeoJSON: How to Convert GPS Data Online for Free
Convert GPX files from Garmin, Strava, or any GPS device to GeoJSON online — free, instant, no signup. View your GPS tracks on an interactive map.
How to Map CSV Data with Lat/Long Coordinates Online
Turn your CSV spreadsheet data into an interactive map in seconds. GeoDataTools lets you visualize CSV files with latitude/longitude columns — free, private, no signup.
How to Create a Choropleth Map Online for Free
Learn how to create beautiful choropleth maps online for free using GeoDataTools. Visualize data by region, country, or area with color gradients — no coding required.
How to Simplify GeoJSON Files to Reduce File Size
Learn how to simplify GeoJSON geometry to reduce file size without losing detail. Smaller files load faster in web maps — here's how to do it free online.
10 Free Shapefile Data Sources for GIS Projects (2025)
Discover the best free shapefile data sources for your GIS projects. Download country boundaries, administrative regions, roads, and more — all free and open.
How to Validate GeoJSON Online — Free Tools and Common Errors
Invalid GeoJSON is a common headache for developers and GIS professionals. Learn how to validate your GeoJSON files online for free and fix the most common errors.
TopoJSON vs GeoJSON: What's the Difference and When to Use Each
TopoJSON and GeoJSON both store geographic data, but serve very different purposes. Learn the key differences, file size comparison, and when to use each format.