Geospatial data formats: Vector, raster, and beyond

Geospatial data formats are essential in GIS workflows as they organize and store location-based information, helping teams create maps that tell a story. The main types of geospatial data formats include vector, raster, LiDAR, and tabular or database files, each serving different purposes depending on the nature of the data and the task at hand. Vector formats, like Shapefile and GeoJSON, are used for mapping features with defined shapes, while raster formats, such as GeoTIFF and COG, are suitable for continuous data like elevation and temperature. LiDAR formats, including LAS and LAZ, capture 3D point clouds for digital elevation models. Teams often start with spreadsheets and convert them into spatial data using software like Felt, which supports a range of formats and integrates them into a collaborative cloud workspace. Choosing the right format involves considering factors like data type, file size, performance, sharing needs, and software compatibility to ensure efficient data creation, sharing, and analysis.