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GeoPackage vs KML
Both describe geographic information, but GeoPackage is a SQLite database for multiple layers and tiles, while KML is XML for visualizing geographic data in map and Earth-browser applications.
Which format should you choose?
Choose GeoPackage for bundled GIS data, SQL access, or offline use; choose KML to share map features and styling for visualization.
Good fit for GeoPackage
Distributing and using geospatial data in one file
- Combining vector features, raster tiles, and attributes for GIS or offline use
Good fit for KML
Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles
- Showing features and annotations in Google Earth and compatible GIS tools
- Bundling location data with names descriptions and presentation
Basic information
| Field | GeoPackage | KML |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .gpkg | .kml |
| MIME type | application/geopackage+sqlite3 | application/vnd.google-earth.kml+xml |
| Common uses | Distributing and using geospatial data in one file | Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles |
| How to open | Open it in a GeoPackage-capable GIS such as QGIS and inspect its layers, coordinate reference systems, and extensions. SQLite tools may show its tables, but interpreting geometries and map tiles requires compatible software. | Open it in Google Earth or a GIS or mapping app that supports KML. Check not only feature locations but also lines, polygons, styles, descriptions, external images, and network links. An XML editor can show the structure; use a compatible app to verify the map display. |
| Export or convert | You can export to GeoJSON, Shapefile, or MBTiles. The destination may not preserve every layer, attribute, coordinate reference system, or tile, so check feature counts, coordinates, attributes, and rendered maps after export. | Convert to GeoJSON or another format for GIS or web maps. Styles, descriptions, timestamps, and external references may not all survive conversion. Check coordinate order, altitude handling, and rendering in the target app, and keep the original KML. |
Choose by use case
Combining vector features, raster tiles, and attributes for GIS or offline use
Distributing and using geospatial data in one file
GeoPackageShowing features and annotations in Google Earth and compatible GIS tools
Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles
KMLBundling location data with names descriptions and presentation
Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles
KMLKey point 1
GeoPackage follows an OGC SQLite schema and can store vector features, raster tiles, and attributes; KML encodes geographic features and display information in XML.
More on the differencesKey point 2
GeoPackage supports multiple tables and SQL queries. KML is designed to describe what geographic content to show and how to show it.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use GeoPackage when you need several feature layers, tiles, and attributes in one database file with SQL queries or offline access. Use KML to distribute places, paths, areas, and visualization styling to compatible map or Earth-browser software. After conversion, check coordinate order, altitude handling, styles, and extension support.
- GeoPackage is a conforming SQLite container for vector features, raster tiles, and attributes. KML is an XML encoding for geographic annotations and visualization.
- GeoPackage works as a multi-table data store with SQL access; KML focuses on presenting geographic content and its display properties in client applications.
- GeoPackage stores spatial reference information and may use extensions. KML coordinates use longitude, latitude, and altitude, so conversion must preserve the intended axis and altitude interpretation.
Frequently asked questions
Can KML replace GeoPackage for GIS storage?
Not in every workflow. KML is useful for visualization and feature exchange, while GeoPackage offers a database container for multiple layers, attributes, tiles, and SQL access.