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How to upload vector data to your map

Helpful steps to upload your vector and annotation data - including shapefiles, kmls, geojson

Written by Kayley Greenland

Supported Vector Formats

Birdi supports the following vector formats for upload:

  • KML / KMZ

  • GeoJSON

  • Shapefile ZIP

  • DXF ZIP (with projection information)

With Birdi’s latest vector performance upgrades, larger and more complex vector datasets can now be uploaded and visualized more reliably with improved map responsiveness and reduced browser crashes.

How to Upload Vector Data to the Birdi Platform

Step 1. Open the Upload Files panel

From within your map:

  1. Click Upload Files in the left-hand sidebar

  2. Drag and drop your files into the uploader

  3. Or browse files from:

    • Your device

    • Google Drive

    • Dropbox

    • OneDrive

Birdi will automatically detect supported vector formats and organize uploaded files into the correct folders.

Uploading zipped DXF or shapefile data

Shapefiles and DXF files must be uploaded as a .zip folder.

Shapefile ZIP requirements

Your .zip folder must contain:

  • .shp — geometry file

  • .shx — shape index file

  • .dbf — attribute data file

  • .prj — projection file

Optional supporting files:

  • .xml

  • .cpg

DXF ZIP requirements

Your .zip folder must contain:

  • .dxf — drawing file

  • .prj — projection file

DXF files require valid projection information for accurate positioning and visualization.

Important upload notes

  • Only include one shapefile or DXF dataset per ZIP folder

  • Multiple datasets inside a single ZIP may cause upload issues

  • A valid upload will display successfully in the uploader and become available on the map

  • Unsupported or incomplete datasets may upload but not render correctly

If you need help preparing your files, refer to:

Uploading GeoJSON and KML files

GeoJSON, KML, and KMZ files can be uploaded directly without compression.

Simply drag and drop the file into the uploader or browse from your cloud storage provider

Vector Visualization

Uploaded vectors are automatically styled and rendered on the map.

Birdi supports visualization of:

  • Points

  • Lines

  • Polygons

  • Complex vector datasets

Styling options may vary depending on the dataset and workflow

Notes on Coordinate Systems & Projection

Regardless of your uploaded vector layer’s Coordinate Reference System (CRS), Birdi automatically reprojects vectors to WGS84 for map visualization.

This reprojection is used for display purposes only and does not modify your original dataset.

When downloading or exporting your data:

  • The original CRS and metadata are preserved

Unsupported Formats

  • DWG files are not currently supported for direct upload

  • DWG files should be converted into a supported geospatial format before upload

Recommended conversion formats:

  • Shapefile

  • GeoJSON

  • GeoPackage

For conversion guidance, see:

Large Vector Performance Improvements

Birdi now processes vectors through a dedicated high-performance vector service.

This means users can now:

  • Upload significantly larger vector datasets

  • Work with dense CAD and infrastructure files more smoothly

  • Reduce lag on large projects

  • Avoid many browser memory crashes previously caused by oversized vectors

  • Navigate complex maps more reliably and efficiently

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