Skip to main content

GeoPackage

GeoPackage (.gpkg) is an OGC SQLite-based container that can hold multiple vector layers, tables and rasters in one file.

Why it is useful​

  • one portable file rather than Shapefile sidecars
  • long field names
  • Unicode and macrons
  • multiple layers/tables
  • indexes and relationships
  • widely supported by QGIS/GDAL and many other GIS tools

Use it for​

  • field observations
  • project layers
  • source-linked research tables
  • a small portable multi-layer project database

Do not treat one file as one backup​

Because several important layers can sit inside one GeoPackage, corruption or accidental overwrite can affect more than one dataset. Keep source data separate and make dated backups when the file is important.

The QGIS course shows how to create one.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

Last updated on