MapTools
DuckDB Spatial
vs
Mapshaper

DuckDB Spatial: Fast spatial SQL on files, right on your laptop. Mapshaper: Simplify, edit and convert map shapes in the browser.

DuckDB SpatialMapshaper
CategorySpatial Analysis & GeoAIGeodata Utilities & Converters
Pricing modelOpen sourceOpen source
Starts atFreeFree
Free tier——
Open sourceYesYes
Software licenceMITMPL-2.0
API——
PlatformsPython, Command line, Windows, macOS, LinuxWeb, Command line
Made by——
Commercial useAllowedAllowed
Export / print imagesAllowedAllowed
Offline / cachingAllowedAllowed
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DuckDB Spatial features

  • Spatial SQL in an embedded database
  • Reads many formats via GDAL
  • GeoParquet support
  • Fast analytics on large files
DuckDB Spatial alternatives

Mapshaper features

  • Line and polygon simplification
  • Shapefile, GeoJSON, TopoJSON, CSV
  • Clip, dissolve, join
  • Command line version
Mapshaper alternatives

Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.