If you've ever exported data from ArcGIS Pro and gotten a "coordinate system mismatch" error, you know the pain of choosing the wrong format. There's no single best GIS format — there's only the right format for your workflow.
DrawBridge exports to 5 formats: GDB, Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML, and DXF. Here's when to use each one.
Best for: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, enterprise GIS, municipal utility databases
The native Esri format. Supports complex data types (domains, subtypes, relationships), fast performance, and can store raster and vector together. Limited to the Esri ecosystem — not portable to non-Esri systems.
Use GDB when you're handing off to a GIS department that uses ArcGIS Pro as their primary tool.
Best for: Legacy systems, cross-platform compatibility, QGIS users
The universal format — every GIS software reads Shapefiles. Simple structure, works with both commercial and open-source tools. Doesn't support complex data types and field names are limited to 10 characters.
Use Shapefile when you need a format that works with everyone, from QGIS to ArcGIS to legacy systems.
Best for: Web mapping, JavaScript applications, modern GIS APIs
Native to JavaScript and the web. Human-readable, easy to version control with Git. Coordinate systems must be WGS84 (EPSG:4326). File sizes can get large for complex datasets.
Use GeoJSON when you're building a web map or integrating with a modern API.
Best for: Google Earth, Google Maps, stakeholder presentations
Easy to share and works in mobile apps that support KML. Limited to Google's ecosystem and doesn't support complex attribute types.
Use KML when you need to show your data to stakeholders in Google Earth.
Best for: AutoCAD, MicroStation, Revit, contractor workflows
Native to AutoCAD and most CAD software. Supports layers and coordinate systems. Not a full GIS format — no attribute tables like GDB.
Use DXF when you're handing off to civil engineers or contractors who don't use GIS software.
Quick decision guide: ArcGIS Pro → GDB | Open-source GIS → Shapefile | Web map → GeoJSON | Google Earth → KML | AutoCAD/contractors → DXF
If you're only exporting to one format, you're probably not getting the most out of your data. DrawBridge gives you all 5 so you can choose the right one for whoever needs it — without re-digitizing.
Export to all 5 formats from one digitizing session. 5 pages free, no card required.
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