GeoTools

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about GeoTools.cc

General

What is GeoTools.cc?

GeoTools.cc is a free, browser-based platform for geospatial data processing. It offers tools for data format conversion, coordinate transformation, geocoding, and data visualization; all running entirely in your web browser.

Is GeoTools.cc free to use?

Yes, all tools on GeoTools.cc are completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.

Do I need to create an account?

No. You can use all tools instantly without creating an account or providing any personal information.

Which browsers are supported?

GeoTools.cc works best in modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the latest version for optimal performance.

Data Security & Privacy

Are my files uploaded to your servers?

No. All data processing happens entirely within your web browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript. Your files never leave your device. When you close the browser tab, all processed data is cleared from memory.

Do you store or track the files I process?

No. We have no access to your files and do not store any processed data. The only information we collect is anonymous usage analytics (page visits, browser type) via Google Analytics.

Is my geospatial data secure?

Yes. Since all processing is client-side, your data remains on your device at all times. This makes GeoTools.cc suitable for processing sensitive geospatial datasets.

Data Format Conversion

What file formats are supported?

GeoTools.cc supports a wide range of geospatial formats including GeoJSON, Shapefile, KML, KMZ, GPX, CSV, TopoJSON, DXF, GeoPackage, and WKT. Check our Data Formats page for the complete list of supported conversions.

How do I upload a Shapefile?

Shapefiles consist of multiple files (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj). Compress all related files into a single .zip archive, then upload the .zip file. GeoTools.cc will automatically detect and process the Shapefile.

What is the maximum file size I can convert?

Most formats support files up to 500MB. For Shapefile archives (.zip), the limit is 200MB. Large files are processed using stream-based parsing to maintain browser responsiveness.

Can I convert multiple files at once?

Currently, GeoTools.cc processes one file at a time. However, conversions are fast and you can process multiple files sequentially without any restrictions.

Why did my conversion fail?

Common reasons include corrupted or incomplete files, unsupported format variations, files exceeding size limits, or missing required components such as a .prj file for Shapefile. Try validating your file before uploading.

Coordinate Conversion

What coordinate systems are supported?

GeoTools.cc supports WGS84 (EPSG:4326), Web Mercator (EPSG:3857), UTM (all zones), and thousands of other coordinate reference systems searchable by EPSG code or name.

How do I convert from UTM to WGS84?

Select UTM as the source CRS, enter your UTM coordinates along with the zone number, then select WGS84 as the target. The conversion result will display latitude and longitude values.

What coordinate format should I use?

For geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude), use decimal degrees (e.g., 39.9042, 116.4074). For projected coordinates, enter the X (easting) and Y (northing) values.

Geocoding

What geocoding services are used?

GeoTools.cc uses the Nominatim (OpenStreetMap) geocoding service for address lookup and reverse geocoding. Results may vary in accuracy depending on the region.

Can I geocode a list of addresses?

Yes. Upload a CSV file containing addresses in a column, and GeoTools.cc will batch-geocode them and add latitude/longitude columns to the output file.

Why is my geocoding result inaccurate?

Geocoding accuracy depends on the address format, region, and available data. For best results, provide complete addresses including city, state/province, and country.

Troubleshooting

The page is loading slowly. What can I do?

Large files require more processing time. Try using a smaller test file first to verify the conversion works. Closing other browser tabs and applications can also improve performance.

I get an error when uploading a file. What should I do?

Verify that your file is in a supported format and not corrupted. For Shapefiles, ensure all component files (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj) are included in the zip archive. Try re-downloading or exporting the file from your source application.

The converted file looks different from the original. Is this normal?

Some format conversions may result in minor differences due to precision loss, coordinate system transformations, or format-specific limitations. These differences are usually negligible for most use cases.

Still have questions? Contact us or check our Documentation.