What is GeoJSON and how to open it for field mapping
GeoJSON is a common open format for web maps and GIS data.
Field takeaways
- GeoJSON carries points, lines, polygons and attributes.
- RFC 7946 defines WGS84 coordinate use.
- KML is convenient for visual sharing; GeoJSON is strong for GIS/web.
- MapLab Survey can use GeoJSON in field workflows.
- CRS and coordinate order should be checked.
What GeoJSON is
GeoJSON is an open, plain-text format that stores point, line and polygon geometry together with its attributes in a JSON structure. A feature carries not only its coordinates but also its name, description, type and any other fields. Because it is text, it opens in any editor, which makes it easy to inspect and easy to fix.
It assumes WGS84, longitude first
RFC 7946 expects coordinates on WGS84, written longitude first, latitude second. That order is the opposite of how most people say coordinates aloud, and it is a frequent source of points landing in the wrong hemisphere. When imported data appears in the middle of the ocean, check the axis order before anything else.
How it differs from KML and DXF
KML is very practical for Google Earth and quick visual sharing; GeoJSON tends to be the more natural choice for web maps, developer workflows and GIS integration. Unlike DXF, it keeps the field values attached to each feature, which is why it suits GIS handover. None of them produce a correct result when the coordinates are wrong.
Opening it on a phone
When you bring a GeoJSON file into a MapLab Survey project, check the layer name and the data types, then verify the position against a known reference. Once the geometry looks right, the file stops being read-only: you can enrich it with field notes, photos and your own measurements.
Watch the file size
Being text, GeoJSON grows quickly. Simplify or split a large dataset before taking it into the field; loading time and map performance on the phone depend on it.
Share it back
The enriched data can go out again as GeoJSON, KML or DXF. Pick the format for the recipient: GeoJSON for GIS and web systems, KML for quick map sharing, DXF for the CAD office.
Try these steps on your own phone.
MapLab Survey handles RTK/GNSS point capture, drawing, area and volume calculations and coordinate conversion, then exports to DXF, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, Shapefile, GeoPackage, NCZ or CSV. Capture, calculation and export work offline. Live NTRIP corrections and online basemaps need a connection.
Frequently asked questions
What is GeoJSON?
An open JSON-based geospatial format.
Can it open on a phone?
Yes, with MapLab Survey.
KML or GeoJSON?
KML for sharing, GeoJSON for GIS/web.
What CRS does GeoJSON use?
RFC 7946 defines WGS84 use.
Technical references
The field guidance in this article is aligned with the technical and official references below.
Related: GIS data collection · Point line polygon · Exporting field data to CAD/GIS · MapLab Survey