Understanding WKT and Geometry Conversion

What is WKT (Well-Known Text)?

Well-Known Text (WKT) is a standard text markup language designed for representing vector geometry objects on a map. Created by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), it provides a clear, human-readable format for spatial data. Unlike GeoJSON or KML which are heavily nested structures, WKT is concise and direct, making it incredibly efficient for storing and transferring geometric data.

Why Do You Need WKT?

WKT is the backbone of spatial databases and geospatial integrations. You will almost certainly need to convert your KML or GeoJSON into WKT if you are:

• Importing Data to PostGIS: PostgreSQL with PostGIS relies heavily on WKT for inserting and updating geometric records.
• Writing Spatial SQL Queries: Functions like ST_GeomFromText() use WKT to construct geometries within SQL statements.
• Working with ORMs: Many backend ORMs (like Sequelize or TypeORM) map spatial columns to WKT strings.
• Lightweight Storage: WKT strips away properties and styling metadata, giving you just the raw mathematics of the shape, saving space.

Supported Geometry Types

Our converter engine supports all major OGC geometry structures, including:

Related Tools

Enhance your GIS workflow with our other free utilities:

• → Smart CSV to KML
• → GeoJSON to KML
• → KML to GeoJSON
• → KML File Merger
• → Map Area Calculator