What is GeoPackage?

GeoPackage (.gpkg) is an open OGC standard storing vector, raster, and metadata in a single SQLite file. It increasingly replaces shapefiles: one file, no separate .shp/.dbf/.shx, support for large datasets and UTF-8.

QGIS, GeoApps, and mobile apps (QField) read GeoPackage directly. Ideal for exchange between field, desktop, and web: Fieldwork exports inspections as .gpkg; FME converts BGT deliveries to GeoPackage for analysis.

GeoPackage is not a web service (use WFS/WMS for live layers) or a cloud database (use PostGIS for multi-user editing). It is a portable file format, like GeoJSON but more efficient for large feature sets and optional raster.

Shapefile remains legacy in many archives; GeoPackage is the modern default for new open-source GIS projects.