Getting Started with GeoPackage

This guide helps you to get started using GeoPackage – a lightweight format that can contain large amounts of complex data in a single, easy to distribute and ready to use file.

This guide explains what GeoPackage is, lists the key features and benefits of the format, and details the applications that support GeoPackage features. Accessing GeoPackage data via GIS software provides step-by-step instructions on accessing GeoPackage data via ArcMap, QGIS, MapInfo Professional, ArcGIS Pro and CadCorp. Loading GeoPackage into a database details the use of PostgreSQL while the final page covers reading GeoPackage data via FME.

In response to customer feedback on preferred data formats, a growing number of OS products have been made available in GeoPackage format, including AddressBase Core, Boundary-Line, OS Open Zoomstack and OS Open Roads, to name a few.

What is GeoPackage?

GeoPackage (.gpkg) is an open, non-proprietary, platform-independent and standards-based data format for geographic information systems (GIS), as defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). It is designed to be a lightweight format that can contain large amounts of varied and complex data in a single, easy to distribute and ready to use file. GeoPackage is natively supported by numerous software applications.

Key features and benefits of GeoPackage

GeoPackage offers users the following key features and benefits:

• The single file is easy to transfer and offers the end-user a rich experience.

• Attribute names are not limited in length, making the format user-friendly.

• The file size limit is very large at 140 TB*, so lots of data can be easily accommodated – great for GB national coverage.

• It supports raster, vector and database formats, making it a highly versatile solution.

• It is an OGC standard.

• In most cases, it is a Plug and Play format.

• Data will be supplied in British National Grid (ESPG:27700).

* A file size limit might be imposed by the file system to which the file is written.

Index

This getting started guide is broken down into the following sub-pages:

• Accessing GeoPackage data via GIS software

• Loading GeoPackage into a database

• Reading GeoPackage data via FME