Importing GeoPackage Files
GeoPackage (.gpkg) is an open, standards-based container format for spatial data based on SQLite. It is widely supported by desktop GIS tools including QGIS, ArcGIS, and Global Mapper, and is the preferred exchange format for many Australian state and territory government datasets.
What makes GeoPackage different
Unlike formats such as GeoJSON or Shapefile, a single GeoPackage file can contain multiple spatial layers. A GeoPackage from a government agency might include cadastral boundaries, road centrelines, drainage lines, and heritage zones all in one file.
TerraSitu detects this automatically and lets you choose which layers to import.
Importing a GeoPackage
- Open a site or survey page and navigate to the Map tab
- Click Import Layer in the GIS Layers panel
- Drag your
.gpkgfile onto the upload area, or click to browse - Click Upload & Preview
If the file contains multiple layers, the Select Layers to Import dialog will appear.
Selecting layers
The dialog lists every layer in the GeoPackage with:
- Layer name — as stored in the file
- Feature count — number of spatial features in the layer
- Geometry type — Point, LineString, Polygon, etc.
- CRS — shown as
EPSG:XXXXif the layer is not already in WGS84
All layers are selected by default. Uncheck any layers you do not need. Click Import Selected to proceed.
Each selected layer is imported as a separate GIS layer in TerraSitu. You can manage, style, and export them individually after import.
Supported geometry types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Point / MultiPoint | Survey stations, sample locations, infrastructure points |
| LineString / MultiLineString | Tracks, transects, drainage lines, roads |
| Polygon / MultiPolygon | Vegetation polygons, cadastral lots, reserve boundaries |
Coordinate reference systems
GeoPackage layers that use a non-WGS84 CRS (such as GDA2020 / MGA zones common in Australian data) are automatically reprojected to WGS84 on import. The original CRS code is retained and displayed as an EPSG:XXXX badge on the layer in the sidebar.
See Working with Coordinate Reference Systems for more detail.
Feature limits
Very large layers (tens of thousands of dense polygons) may slow map rendering. Consider using the GIS Layer Editor to filter and trim large datasets after import, or use the Clip to area option during import to limit the imported extent.
Related articles
- Importing GIS data — All supported formats and the general import workflow
- Working with Coordinate Reference Systems — EPSG codes, MGA zones, and export options
- GIS Layer Editor — Filtering and trimming layers after import