GeoJSON lint

GeoJSON Lint helps you quickly check whether a GeoJSON document is structurally valid JSON and whether it follows common GeoJSON patterns such as Feature, FeatureCollection, Geometry, and coordinate array conventions. It is useful for developers, GIS teams, data engineers, and API consumers who need to catch formatting issues before a file is published, imported, or processed by mapping tools. This validator is especially helpful when working with location data, spatial APIs, and data pipelines where a small syntax or structure mistake can break downstream rendering or analysis.

How This Validator Works

GeoJSON Lint typically performs two layers of checks. First, it parses the input as JSON to confirm the document is syntactically valid. Second, it inspects the top-level GeoJSON structure and common object types to identify likely issues with type names, nesting, and feature collection layout. In practice, this means it can help you spot malformed braces, invalid arrays, missing required fields, or objects that look like GeoJSON but do not match expected conventions.

• Checks whether the input is valid JSON
• Looks for GeoJSON object types such as Feature and FeatureCollection
• Flags common structure mismatches in geometry, properties, and features
• Helps identify coordinate and nesting issues that often appear in exported spatial data

Common Validation Errors

GeoJSON issues often come from valid JSON that is still not valid GeoJSON. A file may parse successfully but fail because the structure does not match the expected schema-like conventions used by mapping libraries and GIS systems. Common problems include incorrect type values, missing feature arrays, malformed coordinate lists, and inconsistent object nesting.

• Invalid JSON syntax such as missing commas, quotes, or brackets
• Wrong top-level type values that do not match GeoJSON conventions
• Missing features array in a FeatureCollection
• Missing geometry or properties in a Feature object
• Invalid coordinate structure such as non-array values or inconsistent nesting
• Unexpected object shape that does not align with common GeoJSON patterns

Where This Validator Is Commonly Used

GeoJSON validation is commonly used anywhere spatial data is created, exchanged, or displayed. Teams use it before loading files into map applications, sending data through APIs, importing records into databases, or publishing location-based datasets. It is also useful in QA workflows for product teams that rely on geospatial features such as store locators, delivery zones, route visualization, and interactive maps.

• GIS and mapping workflows
• Frontend map rendering and visualization
• Backend API payload validation
• Data pipeline QA and import checks
• Open data publishing and dataset review
• Location intelligence and analytics systems

Why Validation Matters

Validation helps ensure that spatial data can be reliably consumed by tools that expect a predictable GeoJSON structure. Even when JSON is syntactically correct, a small mismatch in object type or coordinate layout can cause maps to fail, features to disappear, or downstream systems to reject the payload. Checking data early reduces debugging time, improves interoperability, and makes it easier to maintain consistent data quality across teams and environments.

Technical Details

GeoJSON is a JSON-based format for encoding geographic data structures. Common object types include Feature, FeatureCollection, and geometry objects such as Point, LineString, and Polygon. A validator like this focuses on JSON parsing and structural hints rather than full geospatial semantics. That means it can help detect format and nesting problems, but it may not verify every rule from the full GeoJSON specification or validate spatial correctness such as coordinate reference assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GeoJSON the same as JSON?

No. GeoJSON is a format built on top of JSON, but it has its own structure and conventions for geographic data. A document can be valid JSON and still not be valid GeoJSON. That is why tools like GeoJSON Lint check both syntax and structure.

What is the difference between Feature and FeatureCollection?

A Feature represents a single geographic object with geometry and properties. A FeatureCollection is a container that holds multiple features in a features array. Many validation issues happen when these object types are mixed up or when the expected array is missing.

Can this validator check coordinate accuracy?

It can help identify coordinate structure problems, but it does not necessarily verify real-world spatial accuracy. For example, it may detect malformed arrays, but it may not know whether a point is in the correct city or whether coordinates use the intended reference system.

Why does my GeoJSON parse but still fail validation?

Because JSON syntax and GeoJSON structure are different checks. Your file may be valid JSON, but the top-level type, geometry nesting, or features array may not match GeoJSON expectations. This is common when data is generated by scripts or transformed between systems.

What kinds of tools use GeoJSON?

GeoJSON is widely used by mapping libraries, GIS platforms, location APIs, dashboards, and spatial databases. It is a common interchange format for web maps, geocoding results, route data, and open geographic datasets.

Does GeoJSON Lint validate every rule in the GeoJSON specification?

Not necessarily. This tool is designed to provide practical JSON parse checks and structural hints. Full specification validation may require a dedicated schema validator or a more specialized geospatial QA workflow.

Can I use this before importing data into a database?

Yes. Many teams validate GeoJSON before loading it into spatial databases or analytics systems. Early validation helps catch malformed documents before they cause import failures, partial loads, or broken map displays.

What is the most common GeoJSON mistake?

One of the most common mistakes is a mismatch between the declared object type and the actual structure. For example, a FeatureCollection without a proper features array, or a Feature missing geometry or properties, can cause downstream tools to reject the file.

Related Validators & Checkers

• JSON Validator — check general JSON syntax before reviewing GeoJSON structure
• Schema Validator — validate structured documents against expected field rules
• API Response Validator — inspect JSON payloads returned by services and endpoints
• XML Validator — useful for comparing structured data formats in integration workflows
• Data Format Checker — review common serialization and structure issues across file types