Rasterize Vector Data Online — GeoJSON, Shapefile, KML to GeoTIFF
Rasterization converts vector features into raster pixels, producing a GeoTIFF output where each cell's value is set by the geometry it contains. Use these free browser-based tools to convert GeoJSON, Shapefile, KML, GeoPackage, GML, or GPX files to raster format without any GIS software.
What is buffering?
Rasterization converts vector geometries — points, lines, or polygons — into a grid of pixels (a raster). Each cell in the output grid is assigned a value based on whether a vector feature overlaps that cell, and optionally, what attribute value the feature carries. The result is a GeoTIFF raster with the same geographic extent as the input.
The key parameters are output resolution (how large each pixel is in geographic units), burn value (a constant value assigned to all pixels touched by a feature), and optionally a burn field (an attribute column whose value is used per feature instead of a constant). The spatial reference of the output matches the input data's coordinate system.
Rasterized outputs are widely used as inputs to raster analysis pipelines, machine learning workflows, and map tile generation processes. Unlike vector data, raster grids support per-pixel mathematical operations such as averaging, thresholding, and convolution — all of which require a regular grid structure.
Common use cases
Heatmap and density layers
Convert point or polygon data into a continuous raster surface for visualisation as a heatmap or density map in a web or desktop GIS.
Terrain masks
Burn land-use or habitat polygons into a raster mask to extract or clip elevation data by zone for terrain analysis.
ML training data preparation
Convert labelled vector annotations into raster masks used as ground-truth labels for image segmentation or object detection models.
Map tile generation
Pre-rasterize complex vector layers at a fixed resolution before tiling, speeding up delivery on web maps with large or dense datasets.
Satellite image analysis prep
Rasterize vector boundaries to align them with satellite imagery grids for change detection, zonal statistics, or classification workflows.
How to use
- 1
Upload your file — drop a GeoJSON, Shapefile (ZIP), KML, GeoPackage, GML, or GPX file onto the upload zone.
- 2
Set resolution and burn value — choose the pixel size in geographic units and either a constant burn value or an attribute column to use as the cell value.
- 3
Download the GeoTIFF — the rasterized output is returned as a GeoTIFF file ready for QGIS, GDAL, or any raster analysis tool.
Supported formats
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| GeoJSON | Best for web-sourced vector data. Single UTF-8 file, widely supported by web APIs and JavaScript tooling. |
| Shapefile | Best for enterprise GIS compatibility. Upload as a ZIP containing .shp, .dbf, and .prj files. |
| KML | Best for Google Earth or Google Maps exports. Preserves feature names and descriptions. |
| GeoPackage | Best for modern GIS workflows. Single SQLite container supporting multiple layers and large datasets. |
| GML | Best for OGC web service outputs and enterprise spatial data exchange. |
| GPX | Best for GPS track and waypoint data from navigation devices and fitness trackers. |
Frequently asked questions
What units is the resolution in?
Resolution is expressed in degrees when data is in WGS 84 (the default for GeoJSON, KML, and most formats). A resolution of 0.001° is approximately 100 m at mid-latitudes. For data projected in metres, resolution is in metres.
What is a burn value?
The burn value is the pixel value assigned to all cells that overlap a vector feature. All other cells are set to NoData. You can use a constant (e.g., 1 for a binary presence/absence mask) or choose an attribute column to use each feature's own value.
What coordinate system does the output use?
The output GeoTIFF inherits the coordinate system of the input file. For WGS 84 inputs, the output is also in WGS 84 (EPSG:4326). To reproject the output, use the Reproject GeoTIFF tool after downloading.
Can I rasterize a file with multiple features?
Yes — all features in the input file are rasterized into a single output raster. If features overlap, the last feature processed determines the cell value.
How large will the output GeoTIFF be?
File size depends on the raster dimensions (extent divided by resolution). A 1° × 1° area at 0.001° resolution produces a 1000 × 1000 pixel grid. Using a smaller extent or a larger resolution value reduces file size significantly.