ogr2ogr

Convert a Shapefile into a GeoPackage

$ ogr2ogr -f GPKG [path/to/output.gpkg] [path/to/input.shp]

$ ogr2ogr -where '[myProperty > 42]' -f [GeoJSON] [path/to/output.geojson] [path/to/input.geojson]

$ ogr2ogr -s_srs [EPSG:4326] -t_srs [EPSG:3857] -f GPKG [path/to/output.gpkg] [path/to/input.gpkg]

$ ogr2ogr -f GPKG [path/to/output.gpkg] [path/to/input.csv] -oo X_POSSIBLE_NAMES=[longitude] -oo Y_POSSIBLE_NAMES=[latitude] -a_srs [EPSG:4326]

$ ogr2ogr -f PostgreSQL PG:dbname="[database_name]" [path/to/input.gpkg]

$ ogr2ogr -spat [min_x] [min_y] [max_x] [max_y] -f GPKG [path/to/output.gpkg] [path/to/input.gpkg]

ogr2ogr [options] output_datasource input_datasource [layers...]

-f format_name
    Output file format name (e.g., 'ESRI Shapefile', 'GeoJSON', 'PostgreSQL').

-s_srs srs_def
    Source spatial reference system (SRS) definition (e.g., 'EPSG:4326', 'WGS84').

-t_srs srs_def
    Target spatial reference system (SRS) definition.

-overwrite
    Delete the output datasource and recreate it if it already exists.

-append
    Append to an existing layer instead of creating a new one.

-update
    Open existing output datasource in update mode. Can be combined with -append.

-sql sql_statement
    Execute an SQL statement against the input datasource to select features.

-where expression
    Attribute query to select features from the input layer.

-select field1,field2,...
    Comma-separated list of fields to copy from the input layer.

-nln new_layer_name
    Assign a new name to the output layer.

-nlt geometry_type
    Define the output geometry type (e.g., 'PROMOTE_TO_MULTI', 'POINT', 'LINESTRING', 'POLYGON').

-spat xmin ymin xmax ymax
    Spatial query extents to filter features.

-skipfailures
    Continue with translation even if some features could not be written.

-progress
    Display progress of the translation process.

-co NAME=VALUE
    Creation option for the output format/driver (e.g., 'GEOMETRY_NAME=geom').

ogr2ogr is a powerful command-line tool, part of the GDAL/OGR library, designed for converting simple features data between various vector data formats. It can read virtually any vector format supported by GDAL/OGR drivers (like Shapefile, GeoJSON, PostGIS, KML, CSV) and write to another.

Beyond simple format conversion, ogr2ogr offers extensive capabilities including coordinate system reprojection, spatial and attribute filtering (e.g., SQL WHERE clauses, spatial extents), reordering fields, selecting specific layers or features, and modifying geometry types. It's an essential utility for GIS professionals and developers working with geospatial vector data, enabling complex data transformations and interoperability between different systems and applications. Its flexibility makes it a cornerstone for automating geospatial workflows.

ogr2ogr relies heavily on the capabilities of the installed GDAL/OGR drivers. Some drivers may have specific limitations regarding data types, schema evolution, or performance. Reprojection accuracy depends on the quality of the source and target SRS definitions and transformations. Large datasets can consume significant memory and disk space, potentially requiring optimized strategies or streaming capabilities.

ogr2ogr's versatility stems from its support for a wide array of GDAL/OGR drivers. Each driver provides read/write capabilities for a specific vector data format (e.g., Shapefile, GeoJSON, PostGIS, GML). Users specify the desired output format using the -f option. The availability and capabilities of these drivers depend on how GDAL/OGR was compiled and what external libraries are linked.

A core function of ogr2ogr is the ability to transform data between different Spatial Reference Systems (SRS), commonly known as coordinate systems or projections. This is achieved using the -s_srs (source SRS) and -t_srs (target SRS) options. SRS definitions can be provided in various formats, including EPSG codes (e.g., 'EPSG:4326' for WGS 84), PROJ.4 strings, or WKT (Well-Known Text) strings. Accurate SRS definition is crucial for correct spatial operations.

ogr2ogr is a key component of the GDAL/OGR project, an open-source geospatial data translation library developed primarily by Frank Warmerdam. GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) handles raster data, while OGR (OpenGIS Simple Features Reference Implementation) handles vector data. ogr2ogr emerged as the primary tool for vector data transformation, building on the OGR library's extensive support for various formats and spatial operations. Its development began in the late 1990s, and it has since become an industry standard for geospatial data interoperability, continuously evolving with new drivers and features.

ogrinfo(1), gdalinfo(1), gdalsrsinfo(1), gdal_translate(1)