Flat File Geodata
Flat file geodata refers to geographic data stored in simple, non-relational file formats like CSV, JSON, or GeoJSON, without the complex structures of spatial databases. It typically includes location-based information such as coordinates, addresses, or boundaries in a tabular or structured text format. This approach is commonly used for lightweight storage, easy sharing, and quick analysis of spatial data in applications like mapping, GIS, and data visualization.
Developers should use flat file geodata when working with small to medium datasets that require portability, simplicity, and interoperability across different tools and platforms, such as in web mapping, data science projects, or prototyping. It's ideal for scenarios where quick access and manipulation are needed without the overhead of setting up a full spatial database, like in mobile apps, dashboards, or batch processing scripts. However, for large-scale or complex spatial queries, a dedicated spatial database is recommended.