How to Import GeoJSON Data into a Mining Map

To import GeoJSON into Exploration Maps, click the import button in the Layers section, select your .geojson or .json file, and the layer is added automatically with the map fitting to your data bounds.

What is GeoJSON and Why It's Used for Mining Maps

GeoJSON is an open standard format for encoding geographic data — polygons, lines, and points — as JSON. It is the most widely compatible format for web-based mapping tools. Most GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS, MapInfo) can export to GeoJSON, and government mineral title databases often provide boundary data in GeoJSON or Shapefile format (which can be converted).

Converting Shapefiles to GeoJSON

If your data is in Shapefile format (.shp, .dbf, .shx, .prj), convert it to GeoJSON before importing. The free online tool at mapshaper.org accepts Shapefile ZIP archives and exports clean GeoJSON in seconds. QGIS users can right-click any layer and choose Export → Save Features As → GeoJSON.

Importing Your GeoJSON File

In Exploration Maps, click the upload/import icon in the Layers section of the sidebar. Select your .geojson or .json file. The layer is added immediately and the map automatically fits to the extent of your data. If your file contains multiple geometry types (polygons and lines, for example), they are split into separate layers automatically.

Assigning a Layer Role After Import

After importing, expand the layer card and assign a Role. Roles drive automatic styling — Claims applies blue boundaries, Drillholes applies dark circle markers, Target Areas applies amber dashed outlines. Assigning the correct role saves significant manual styling time and ensures your map follows industry conventions.

Checking Coordinate Systems

Exploration Maps expects geographic coordinates in WGS84 (EPSG:4326 — standard latitude/longitude). If your GeoJSON displays in the wrong location or far off from expected, the source data may be in a projected coordinate system (UTM, NAD83). Re-export from your GIS software with the coordinate system set to WGS84 / EPSG:4326.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file extensions does Exploration Maps accept?

For vector data: .geojson and .json. For tabular point data: .csv. For images (logo and inset maps): .jpg and .png. Shapefiles must be converted to GeoJSON first.

My GeoJSON file shows in the wrong location — what's wrong?

The most common cause is that the data is in a projected coordinate system (such as UTM Zone 10N or BC Albers) rather than geographic coordinates (WGS84 latitude/longitude). Re-export from your GIS software, specifying WGS84 / EPSG:4326 as the output coordinate reference system.

Can I import multiple GeoJSON files?

Yes — import as many files as needed. Each file becomes a separate layer in the Layers list. You can toggle visibility, reorder layers (drag to change draw order), and style each layer independently.