Standalone datasets

Standalone datasets

The original version of this document is located at https://docs.qfield.org/how-to/advanced-how-tos/standalone-datasets

Standalone Datasets

QField can open vector, raster, and point cloud datasets directly without requiring a QGIS project file.

Supported Standalone Dataset Formats

Supported vector dataset formats:

  • GeoPackage (.gpkg)
  • GeoJSON (.geojson, .json)
  • KML / KMZ (.kml, .kmz)
  • ESRI Shapefile (.shp)
  • GPS Exchange Format (.gpx)
  • Geography Markup Language (.gml)
  • MapInfo Interchange Format (.mif)
  • SpatiaLite Database (.db, .sqlite)
  • FlatGeobuf (.fgb)

Supported raster dataset formats:

  • GeoTIFF (.tif, .tiff)
  • Geospatial PDF (.pdf)
  • JPEG 2000 (.jp2)
  • JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg)
  • PNG (.png)
  • WebP (.webp)
  • Virtual Raster Header (.vrt)

Supported point cloud dataset formats:

  • LAS / LAZ (.las, .laz)
  • Cloud Optimized Point Cloud (.copc.laz, .copc.las)

Note

QField opens compressed ZIP archives containing multiple standalone datasets, adding each file as an individual map layer.

Opening Vector or Raster Datasets

📱 Fieldwork

Refer to the Storage Access Documentation for instructions on transferring and opening standalone files on mobile devices.

Using a Project as a Base Map for Standalone Datasets

📱 Fieldwork

Standalone datasets display over a default OpenStreetMap XYZ tile layer.
Set any QGIS project stored on your mobile device as a custom background base map.

Workflow

  1. Open QField and navigate to the project selection screen.
  2. Long-press the QGIS project file you want to use as a base map.
  3. Select Use as Base Map in the context menu.