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GeoDesk
What it is
GeoDesk is a spatial database engine for OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, intended for building fast applications and carrying out geospatial analysis. It stores OSM features and geometries in single-file Geographic Object Libraries (GOLs), which retain concepts such as relations. The files are typically about 40 percent larger than OSM-PBF data but occupy a small fraction of a traditional database’s footprint. GeoDesk provides GOQL, a concise way to query by feature type and tags, and says its common spatial queries are typically 50 times faster than SQL equivalents. The GOL command-line tool creates libraries from OSM PBF files; developers can also use GeoDesk tools and guides for Java, Python, and C++. A GOL can be converted to a compressed tile repository for downloading selected regions. Python mapping can show queried features in a browser on a Leaflet-based map or save the map as HTML. GeoDesk documents vector-operation integrations with Java Topology Suite and Python Shapely. It is free and open-source for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source.
- GOLs preserve OSM geometries and relations.
- GOQL queries use feature types and tags.
- Compressed tile repositories support regional downloads.
- Java, Python, and C++ tools are available.
Against
- Python quickstart requires Python 3.7 or higher.
- C++ builds require a C++20 compiler and CMake 3.14 or later.
- GOL files are typically about 40 percent larger than OSM-PBF data.
The verdict
GeoDesk combines OSM-focused storage, query tools, and language options in a free package. Its documented build requirements are worth checking if you plan to use the C++ library.
Who it suits
GeoDesk suits developers and analysts working with OpenStreetMap data who want to build applications or perform geospatial analysis. Python users need Python 3.7 or higher; building the C++ library requires a C++20-capable compiler and CMake 3.14 or later.
Plans and prices
GeoDesk
100% free and open-source
Read 30 Sep 2026 · geodesk.com
On the record
- Affiliation
- GeoDesk says it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenStreetMap.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Audience
- GeoDesk describes its intended use as building fast applications and performing geospatial analysis with OpenStreetMap data.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Build requirements
- Building the C++ library requires a C++20-capable compiler and CMake 3.14 or later.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Data format
- GeoDesk stores OSM data in single-file Geographic Object Libraries (GOLs).docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Data import
- The GOL tool builds libraries from OpenStreetMap PBF files.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Developer libraries
- GeoDesk provides Python, Java and C++ options alongside its command-line GOL tool.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Geometry integrations
- GeoDesk documents integration with Java Topology Suite and Python Shapely for vector operations including buffers, unions, and triangulation.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Hardware
- GeoDesk says it performs well on systems that can run 64-bit Java or Python.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- GeoDesk documents integration with Java Topology Suite and Python Shapely for vector operations.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Languages
- GeoDesk provides tooling and developer guides for Java, Python, and C++, plus a GOL command-line utility.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maker
- GeoDesk describes its maker as an independent team of developers interested in cartography and geospatial topics.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maker details
- The About page does not state the maker’s headquarters or founding year.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Mapping
- The Python Map feature creates Leaflet-based web maps that can be saved as HTML or shown in a browser.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- OSM model
- GOLs store geometries and support OpenStreetMap concepts such as relations.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- OSM support
- GOLs store shapes and support OpenStreetMap concepts including relations.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Platform support
- The C++ toolkit documentation lists 64-bit Windows, Linux and macOS support.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- GeoDesk is a spatial database engine for OpenStreetMap features.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Python requirement
- The Python quickstart says Python 3.7 or higher is required.docs.geodesk.com · read 30 Sep 2026
