SpatiaLite
SpatiaLite is an open-source spatial database extension for SQLite, adding support for geographic information system (GIS) data and spatial SQL functions. It enables SQLite to store, query, and manipulate vector geometries (e.g., points, lines, polygons) alongside traditional tabular data. This makes it a lightweight, self-contained solution for embedding spatial capabilities into applications without requiring a full-fledged server-based GIS database.
Developers should learn SpatiaLite when building applications that need local, file-based spatial data storage, such as mobile apps, desktop tools, or embedded systems where a lightweight GIS is required. It is ideal for scenarios like offline mapping, geospatial analysis in Python scripts, or prototyping spatial features without the overhead of PostgreSQL/PostGIS. Use cases include storing GPS tracks, performing spatial queries on local datasets, or integrating maps into applications with minimal dependencies.