# Getting Started with GeoPackage

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](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/resources/product-resources/getting-started-with-geopackage-and-vector-tiles-guides/getting-started-with-geopackage/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](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/resources/product-resources/getting-started-with-geopackage-and-vector-tiles-guides/getting-started-with-geopackage/loading-geopackage-into-a-database) details the use of PostgreSQL while the final page covers [reading GeoPackage data via FME](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/resources/product-resources/getting-started-with-geopackage-and-vector-tiles-guides/getting-started-with-geopackage/reading-geopackage-data-via-fme).

In response to customer feedback on preferred data formats, numerous OS products are now available in GeoPackage format (including AddressBase Core, Boundary-Line, OS Open Zoomstack and OS Open Roads, to name a few).

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="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.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="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.*
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Index <a href="#id-4._reading_geopackage_data_via_fme" id="id-4._reading_geopackage_data_via_fme"></a>

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

* [Accessing GeoPackage data via GIS software](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/resources/product-resources/getting-started-with-geopackage-and-vector-tiles-guides/getting-started-with-geopackage/accessing-geopackage-data-via-gis-software)
* [Loading GeoPackage into a database](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/resources/product-resources/getting-started-with-geopackage-and-vector-tiles-guides/getting-started-with-geopackage/loading-geopackage-into-a-database)
* [Reading GeoPackage data via FME](https://docs.os.uk/os-downloads/resources/product-resources/getting-started-with-geopackage-and-vector-tiles-guides/getting-started-with-geopackage/reading-geopackage-data-via-fme)


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