Which file formats does Topolab offer, and when should I use each?
CSV, JSON, GeoJSON, KML and SHP each suit a different tool. This is what every format contains, how geometry is carried, and which are available as free samples versus paid exports.
1. The five export formats
Full exports are available in five formats: csv, json, geojson, kml and shp. Use GET /v1/dataset/:table/files to see which a given dataset actually offers before downloading.
2. Tabular: CSV and JSON
CSV is comma-separated text with a header row — ideal for spreadsheets and quick loads. JSON returns the same rows as objects for programmatic use. Both include longitude/latitude columns in WGS84 (EPSG:4326), so you get coordinates without a spatial format.
3. Spatial: GeoJSON, KML and SHP
GeoJSON and KML carry WGS84 (EPSG:4326) geometry as point features; GeoJSON coordinates are ordered [longitude, latitude]. SHP is delivered as a zipped shapefile bundle for desktop GIS. All geometry Topolab serves is WGS84 only.
4. Which formats are free to sample
Free samples are available in json, csv, geojson and kml. SHP has no sample — inspect geometry with the JSON or GeoJSON sample, then take SHP as a full export once the schema checks out.
Pick by toolCSV for spreadsheets and ETL, JSON for application code, GeoJSON for web maps and Leaflet/Mapbox, KML for Google Earth, and SHP (zipped shapefile) for QGIS and ArcGIS desktop workflows.
Laatst bijgewerkt 25 juli 2026