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GeoJSON vs Shapefile: A Complete Comparison for GIS Users

The selection of a file format is crucial for the processing, analysis, and interchange of spatial data in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The ESRI Shapefile and GeoJSON are two of the most widely used vector data formats. Each has unique traits, restrictions, and applications that can have a big influence on geographic processes. In order to assist GIS professionals in making well-informed judgments, this technical comparison explores the structural, functional, and performance distinctions between GeoJSON and Shapefile.


Overview of Formats


What is GeoJSON?


GeoJSON is an open standard format for recording various geographic data structures that is based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). It is intended for web-based mapping and data sharing, particularly in applications that use a lot of JavaScript. GeoJSON is compatible with feature and feature collections, as well as Point, LineString, Polygon, MultiPoint, MultiLineString, MultiPolygon, and GeometryCollection geometries.


  • MIME type: application/geo+json

  • Encoding: UTF-8

  • Coordinate Reference System: Defaults to WGS84 (EPSG:4326)


GeoJSON vs Shapefile
GeoJSON vs Shapefile

What is a Shapefile?


For storing GIS vector data, the Shapefile format—created by Esri—is the de facto standard. A Shapefile consists of a minimum of three required files rather than a single file:


  • .shp — stores geometry

  • .shx — stores positional index

  • .dbf — stores attribute data (dBASE format)


Additional optional files (.prj, .sbn, .cpg, etc.) enhance projection metadata and spatial indexing.


File Structure and Storage


Feature

GeoJSON

Shapefile

File Composition

Single text-based file

Multi-file binary structure

Human-readable

Yes (JSON format)

No (binary)

Attribute Storage

JSON properties object

dBASE (.dbf) table

File Size Limit

Large files, but less compact

2 GB max (DBF limit); requires careful handling

Compression Support

Gzip-compatible (GeoJSON.gz)

Shapefiles can be zipped, not natively compressed.

GeoJSON is perfect for web services and APIs because of its human-readable structure and single-file format. The binary Shapefile format, on the other hand, provides more compact storage but has drawbacks such as DBF column type requirements and a 10-character field name cap.


Coordinate System Handling


  • WGS84 (EPSG:4326) is strictly supported by GeoJSON. Custom projections need to be managed by an outside party.

  • Shapefile enables projection-aware geographical analysis and reprojecting in desktop GIS programs such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or GRASS GIS by supporting custom CRS via the .prj file.


Attribute Data Support


  • Shapefile: Uses the DBF format, which has limitations on field counts and string lengths, does not allow advanced data types (such as arrays and nested objects), and restricts field names to 10 characters.

  • GeoJSON is better for sophisticated metadata and contemporary applications since it makes use of JSON's versatility by enabling nested structures, strings, booleans, numbers, and arrays.


Software and Platform Compatibility


Platform

GeoJSON

Shapefile

QGIS

✅

✅

ArcGIS

✅ (ArcGIS Pro, 10.4+)

✅

Web Mapping (Leaflet, Mapbox, OpenLayers)

✅

❌ (requires conversion)

Mobile GIS

✅

✅

Python (Geopandas, Fiona)

✅

✅

Spatial Indexing

❌

✅

Efficient Binary Storage

❌

✅

Although both formats are commonly used, Shapefile continues to dominate desktop GIS processes because of its long-standing interaction with the Esri ecosystem, while GeoJSON is the native format for many web mapping tools and REST APIs.


Performance and Scalability


  • Shapefile's indexing and compact binary structure make it faster for local, large-scale data.

  • Large datasets can cause GeoJSON files to grow bloated, which can impair performance, especially in settings with limited bandwidth.


In the end, Shapefile is still a legacy standard for demanding desktop and enterprise GIS operations, but GeoJSON is the preferred format for contemporary, web-based, and lightweight GIS applications. The end-user environment, performance requirements, interoperability, and project scale should all be taken into consideration by GIS professionals.


For more information or any questions regarding GeoJSON and Shapefile, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849


(A GeoWGS84 Corp Company)

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