Free Online FlatGeobuf Viewer
Open and view FlatGeobuf files directly in your browser. No upload, no install, 100% private.
How to open FlatGeobuf online
View FlatGeobuf files instantly. Stream and view high-performance FlatGeobuf files.
Privacy
Files are processed on your device in the browser. GeoDataViewer does not upload your datasets to a server for viewing.
Common issues
If a dataset uses multiple required sidecar files, make sure you provide the complete set together. For best results, keep all sidecars in one zip archive when applicable.
Related tools
Measure distances, areas, elevation, and radius circles using the tools menu, then come back to inspect your FlatGeobuf layer on the map.
What is FlatGeobuf?
FlatGeobuf is a compact binary vector format built for efficient reading, streaming, and distribution of large static geospatial datasets.
What is FlatGeobuf used for?
- Packaging large vector layers for fast download and client-side reading.
- Distributing static datasets that benefit from compact binary storage.
- Serving as a modern single-file alternative to older interchange formats.
Common use cases
- Download products for large basemap or thematic reference layers.
- High-volume data publishing where users need a file instead of an API.
- Intermediate exchange artifacts in automated pipelines that value speed and compactness.
Strengths
- Binary encoding is more compact and faster to parse than many text formats.
- Single-file delivery is easy to move and archive.
- Good fit for large static datasets that do not need a full database container.
Limitations
- It is less familiar to many business users than GeoJSON, CSV, or shapefile.
- Text inspection is not as convenient because the format is binary.
- Some downstream tools still require legacy or standards-driven export formats.
File extensions and sidecar files
Convert FlatGeobuf online
Open FlatGeobuf without QGIS or ArcGIS
You do not need QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or any desktop GIS software to open and inspect FlatGeobuf files. This page is a browser-based FlatGeobuf viewer: it loads your file locally, renders the geometry and attributes on an interactive map, and never uploads your data to a server. If you just need to look at a dataset, check coordinates, or share what you see, you can skip the desktop GIS install entirely.
- ✓ No installation — open FlatGeobuf directly in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
- ✓ No QGIS license, ArcGIS Pro subscription, or ArcMap setup required.
- ✓ Private by default — files are processed on your device, nothing is uploaded.
- ✓ Instant preview — drag a file in and see the map render in seconds.
- ✓ Good for one-off checks: a quick look at attributes, geometry, or extent before deciding whether to open the data in a full GIS.
If you later need advanced analysis, editing, or geoprocessing, you can still open the same FlatGeobuf file in QGIS (free and open source), ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or Global Mapper — but for viewing and quick checks, this online FlatGeobuf viewer is all you need.
FlatGeobuf Viewer FAQ
When should I choose FlatGeobuf?
Choose it when you need a fast, compact single-file vector delivery format for large static datasets.
Why is FlatGeobuf less common than GeoJSON?
GeoJSON is easier for people to read and already baked into many web and API workflows, while FlatGeobuf optimizes for performance instead.
Why convert FlatGeobuf after download?
Users often convert it into a format that matches their editing software, reporting tool, or required delivery standard.
Can I open FlatGeobuf without QGIS or ArcGIS?
Yes. This page is a free online FlatGeobuf viewer that runs entirely in your browser — no QGIS installation, no ArcGIS license, and no plugins. Just add your FlatGeobuf file and it is rendered locally on an interactive map.
Do I need ArcGIS to view FlatGeobuf files?
No. ArcGIS is one option for working with FlatGeobuf, but it is commercial software and overkill if you only need to view a file. GeoDataViewer opens FlatGeobuf in your browser for free, with no account and no upload, so you can inspect the data before deciding whether a full GIS is worth it.
Can I open FlatGeobuf without ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap?
Yes. ArcMap has been retired by Esri and ArcGIS Pro requires a paid subscription, but neither is needed to view FlatGeobuf files. This browser-based FlatGeobuf viewer opens your file locally for free — no ArcGIS Pro license, no ArcMap install, and no account required.
Is there a free FlatGeobuf viewer with no installation?
Yes — this page. GeoDataViewer is a completely free FlatGeobuf viewer that runs in your browser. There is nothing to install and nothing to download: open the page, add your FlatGeobuf file, and inspect the map and attributes immediately.
Is GeoDataViewer a QGIS alternative?
For viewing, inspecting, and converting FlatGeobuf files, yes — GeoDataViewer covers those needs entirely in the browser with zero setup. QGIS remains the better choice for deep analysis, geoprocessing, and large production workflows. The two complement each other: use this viewer for quick checks and QGIS when you need the full toolbox.