Exporting and Sharing GIS Results

Lesson 8 of 8 · GIS Software Fundamentals · Beginner

Exporting and sharing GIS results is the final step in most workflows. Done carefully, it preserves the value of your work. Done carelessly, it can lose data, break references, create privacy risks, or violate licence conditions.

Exporting a Map Image

Exporting a map image produces a PNG, JPEG, TIFF, or PDF file from your layout. This is suitable for sharing a visual result — a report, a presentation, or a web page. A map image does not contain editable geographic data. Recipients cannot load it into GIS software and work with the underlying features.

PDF exports can preserve vector elements and are useful for high-quality print output. Check the exported file at full size before sharing.

Exporting Vector Data

Exporting a layer as a data file allows recipients to load it into their own GIS software. Common formats:

• GeoJSON — text-based, widely supported, good for sharing on the web. Not ideal for very large datasets or datasets requiring multiple geometry types in one file.
• GeoPackage — a modern single-file format that supports multiple layers, large datasets, and both vector and raster data. A good default choice for sharing editable data.
• Shapefile — widely supported but has limitations: field names are truncated to 10 characters, file size is limited, and the format requires multiple files. Still common for compatibility with older systems.
• CSV — useful for exporting attribute data without geometry, or for point data with coordinate columns.

Sharing Project Files

A project file alone is not sufficient to share your work. The project references source data files that must also be included. Before sharing a project:

• Confirm all source files are accessible and in their expected locations.
• Consider using relative file paths so the project works when moved to a different computer.
• Package the project folder with all required source files.
• Test the package by opening it on a different machine or in a clean folder.

Metadata and Attribution

Exported data should include or be accompanied by metadata describing:

• What the data represents.
• The coordinate reference system.
• The source of the data and any transformations applied.
• The date the data was created or last updated.
• Licence conditions.

Stripping metadata from exported data makes it harder for recipients to use it correctly and may violate attribution requirements.

Privacy and Sensitive Locations

Before sharing geographic data, consider whether it contains sensitive information. Geographic data can reveal personal locations, movement patterns, or the locations of vulnerable individuals or facilities. Apply appropriate precision — sharing data at a coarser resolution may be sufficient for the purpose while reducing privacy risk. Licence and privacy obligations apply to exported results, not just to the original source data.

File Naming and Versioning

Name exported files clearly. Include the content, date, and version where relevant. Avoid names like final_map.png or export1.geojson. A name like riverton_parks_2024_v2.geojson is more useful. Keep a record of what each export contains and when it was produced.

Export and Sharing Checklist

• Is the exported file in the correct format for the recipient's needs?
• Does the exported data include coordinate reference system information?
• Is source attribution included or documented separately?
• Have licence conditions been reviewed?
• Does the data contain sensitive location information that should be removed or generalized?
• Is the file named clearly?
• Has the exported file been opened and verified?
• If sharing a project, are all required source files included?

Common Mistakes

• Sharing a project file without the source data files.
• Exporting a map image when the recipient needs editable data.
• Omitting CRS information from exported data.
• Sharing data without reviewing licence and attribution requirements.
• Using absolute file paths in a project that will be moved to another computer.

Key Takeaways

• Map image exports are for visual sharing; data exports are for further GIS use.
• GeoPackage is a good modern default for sharing editable vector data.
• A project file requires its source data files to be useful.
• Include metadata, CRS information, and source attribution with exported data.
• Review privacy and licence obligations before sharing any geographic data.