51 articles

GeoJSON, KML & GIS Guides

Practical tutorials and deep dives for geospatial developers and GIS professionals.

50 articles
GeoJSON

How to Convert CSV to GeoJSON (Latitude & Longitude)

Convert a CSV with latitude and longitude columns to GeoJSON free. Step-by-step guide using browser tools, Python and JavaScript.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

Projections

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.

KML

What Is a KML File? File Type, Meaning and Format Explained

What a KML file is, what KML stands for, and what the file type is used for — plus its XML structure, geometry types, styling, and KMZ archives.

Backend GIS

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

Backend GIS

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

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.

Web Mapping

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

Projections

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.

GeoJSON

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

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.

Backend GIS

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.

GeoJSON

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

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.

KML

How to Open a KML File Online for Free (No Download Required)

How to open a KML file without Google Earth: view .kml and .kmz on an interactive map online, free, with no software install and no signup.

Web Mapping

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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, with no software install required.

GeoJSON

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.

GPS/GPX

How to View a GPX Elevation Profile Online for Free

View the elevation profile of any GPX track online — total distance, elevation gain and loss, and an interactive route map. Free, private, no signup, no app to install.

GPS/GPX

How to Merge or Split GPX Files Online for Free

Combine multiple GPX files into one, or split a long GPX track into equal-distance stages. Free, private, browser-based — no account, no upload.

Projections

How to Convert Coordinates to State Plane Online for Free

Convert between latitude/longitude and US State Plane or any EPSG code in your browser. No account, no upload, no GIS software needed.

GeoJSON

How to Convert a FIT File to GPX or GeoJSON for Free

Convert Garmin, Wahoo, or Suunto .fit activity files to GPX or GeoJSON online: free, private, no signup. Runs entirely in your browser.

GeoJSON

How to Convert a KMZ File to GeoJSON Online for Free

Convert KMZ files — the default Google Earth export format — to GeoJSON online for free. No extraction step, no software, entirely in your browser.

KML

KML vs KMZ: What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?

KML is a plain XML file; KMZ is a ZIP archive containing one. This guide covers the real differences, file sizes, compatibility, and when to pick each.

KML

How to Convert KML to SHP (Shapefile) Online for Free

Convert KML or KMZ to an ESRI Shapefile online for free. What the .shp, .shx, .dbf and .prj files are for, what survives the conversion, and what does not.

KML

How to Convert KML to CSV (and CSV to KML) Online

Convert KML or KMZ placemarks to a CSV spreadsheet, or turn a lat/long spreadsheet into KML for Google Earth. Free, in your browser, both directions.

KML

How to Convert KML to GPX (and GPX to KML) Online

Convert a KML or KMZ route from Google Earth into GPX for a Garmin, phone, or bike computer — and back again. Free, in your browser, both directions.

GPS/GPX

What Is a GPX File? File Type and Format Explained

A GPX file is the standard XML format for GPS data — waypoints, routes and tracks. What the file type contains, how to open one, and how to convert it.

GPS/GPX

How to Convert a KMZ File to GPX Online for Free

Convert KMZ — the default Google Earth export — straight to GPX for a Garmin, phone or bike computer. No unzip step, no software, entirely in your browser.

GIS Tools

What Is a KMZ File? .kmz Format Explained (and How to Open One)

A .kmz file is a zipped KML — the format Google Earth exports by default. What the file type contains, what is inside the archive, and how to open one free.

GeoJSON

How to Convert a TCX File to GPX or GeoJSON for Free

Convert TCX (Training Center XML) activity files to GPX or GeoJSON online. Free, private, no signup, and runs entirely in your browser.

GPS/GPX

How to Calculate Pace and Splits from a GPX File

Calculate average pace, speed, and per-kilometer or per-mile splits from any GPX track online — free, private, no signup required.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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, and here's how to do it free online.

Shapefile

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.

GeoJSON

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.

GeoJSON

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.

Web Mapping

Web Map Performance: Rendering Methods and Tile Protocols Compared

Why web maps get slow and how to fix it. Compare SVG, Canvas, and WebGL rendering plus WMS, WMTS, WFS, vector tiles, and static files, with pros, cons, and when to use each.