In-depth guides and tutorials on GIS file formats and conversions, how to open a KMZ, get a spreadsheet into Google Earth, convert GPX tracks, read coordinate formats, fix data in the wrong place, and more. Plain-English, and written to actually help.
Learn how to convert Excel to KMZ for Google Earth, free and in your browser. Turn a spreadsheet of coordinates into placemarks in one KMZ file, no upload.
GIS file format sizes, measured for real: the same 10,000 points saved as KML, KMZ, Shapefile, GeoPackage, GPX, CSV, Excel and GeoJSON. See what each kept.
Learn how to convert GIS files privately in your browser. No upload, no server, no signup. Your KML, shapefile or CSV never leaves your device, and it is free.
Coordinate systems explained without the jargon. Learn what WGS84, EPSG codes and projections mean, why they matter, and how to reproject data, free.
What is a shapefile? It is not one file. This guide explains the .shp, .dbf, .shx and .prj parts, the shapefile's limits, and when to use a modern format.
What is the GeoJSON format? This guide explains GeoJSON in plain English: how it works, why web maps love it, and how to create and convert GeoJSON, free.
KML vs KMZ: what's the difference? This guide explains KML vs KMZ in plain English, when to use each, and how to convert between them, free and in your browser.
Learn how to convert a Shapefile to KML for Google Earth. Zip the parts, convert Shapefile to KML free in your browser, and keep every attribute, no upload.
What is a DXF file, and how does GIS use it? This guide explains the DXF file, why CAD data differs from GIS, and how to convert a DXF file to map formats.
What is a GPX file? This guide explains the GPX file in plain English: waypoints, routes and tracks, where it comes from, and how to open and convert it.
Learn how to convert CSV to KML for Google Earth in minutes. Turn latitude and longitude columns into placemarks, free and in your browser, with no upload.
GeoPackage vs Shapefile: which should you use? This guide compares the two GIS formats on limits, layers and compatibility, so you can pick with confidence.
Is your GIS data in the wrong place? This guide explains the coordinate-system causes and shows how to fix data in the wrong place, step by step, free.
Need to open a KMZ file? A KMZ is a zipped KML. Learn three quick ways to open a KMZ file: in Google Earth, by unzipping, or by converting it, all free.
Confused by latitude and longitude formats? This guide explains DD, DMS and DDM in plain English, shows how to read each, and how to convert between them fast.
Learn how to convert a GPX file to KML, Shapefile or CSV. Turn GPS waypoints, routes and tracks into map-ready formats, free in your browser, no upload.
