[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eIJxs4IQr7MsGxS9oM_uadPvqhWeCP-SBEJyZOWvi94/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eIJxs4IQr7MsGxS9oM_uadPvqhWeCP-SBEJyZOWvi94/preview?usp=sharing)
Reduced Latency: Subsets of the raw data can be fetched and processed much faster than downloading files.
Scalability: Cloud-optimized formats are usually stored on cloud object storage, which is infinitely scalable. Object storage supports many parallel read requests when combined with metadata about where different data bits are stored, making it easier to work with large datasets.
Flexibility: Cloud-optimized formats allow for high levels of customization, enabling users to tailor data access to their specific needs. Additionally, advanced query capabilities provide the freedom to perform complex operations on the data without downloading and processing entire datasets.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced data transfer and storage needs can lower costs. Many of these formats offer compression options, which reduce storage costs.
(Cloud-Optimized Geospatial Formats Guide, 2025)
Webinar: https://fme.safe.com/webinars/cloud-revolution-exploring-the-new-wave-of-serverless-spatial-data-2/
https://aws.amazon.com/compare/the-difference-between-throughput-and-latency/
https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/performance/glossary/what-is-latency/
Q: We are familiar with traditional geospatial formats such as GeoTIFF, Shapefile, and GeoJSON. Why not use them in the cloud?
A: Traditional geospatial formats are not designed for the cloud. They are designed for local file systems. Even if a Shapefile is stored in object storage, what if the file size is 10GB? You don't want to download the entire file, right? Can you imagine a map service like Google Maps that doesn't show the map and makes you wait 5 minutes to download the entire file? It's not realistic for practical use.
Cloud-optimised geospatial formats are designed for the cloud with strategies such as HTTP range requests for random access, tiling, multiple resolutions, compression, etc.