Compare
GeoParquet vs GeoPackage: columnar analysis and GIS management
GeoParquet adds geographic conventions to Parquet; GeoPackage manages geographic data in SQLite.
Which format should you choose?
Consider GeoParquet for column-selective analytics and GeoPackage for multi-layer GIS, tiles and SQL updates.
Good fit for GeoParquet
Store geographic tables for analysis
- Analyze geographic data by reading selected attribute columns
Good fit for GeoPackage
Distributing and using geospatial data in one file
- Combining vector features, raster tiles, and attributes for GIS or offline use
Basic information
| Field | GeoParquet | GeoPackage |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .parquet | .gpkg |
| MIME type | application/geopackage+sqlite3 | |
| Common uses | Store geographic tables for analysis | Distributing and using geospatial data in one file |
| How to open | Check geo metadata and geometry columns in compatible tools. Missing CRS means OGC:CRS84 longitude/latitude; explicit null means undefined or unknown. | 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. |
| Export or convert | For GeoPackage conversion check types, NULLs, CRS, axis order and geometry. Version 1.1.0 excludes M and nonlinear geometry; confirm supported WKB/GeoArrow encoding. | 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. |
Choose by use case
Analyze geographic data by reading selected attribute columns
Store geographic tables for analysis
GeoParquetCombining vector features, raster tiles, and attributes for GIS or offline use
Distributing and using geospatial data in one file
GeoPackageKey point 1
GeoParquet requires geo metadata and compatible geometry columns.
More on the differencesKey point 2
GeoPackage follows prescribed tables and integrity requirements.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Check column-selective reading and geographic interpretation in analytics tools. Evaluate update and handoff requirements, not file size alone.
- Missing CRS in GeoParquet means OGC:CRS84; null means unknown. Preserve that distinction and axis order during conversion; do not guess a coordinate system.
- Check 1.1.0 geometry/encoding support, types, NULLs and CRS with actual data. Exporting feature tables alone does not preserve GeoPackage tiles or extensions.
Frequently asked questions
Will any Parquet tool show the same map?
Not guaranteed. Check geo metadata, geometry encoding, CRS interpretation and specification version; compare geometry and attributes after conversion.