Converting Vector Features to GeoJSON
Included in this tutorial:
Accessing the Features to JSON tool
Reviewing the Features to JSON tool options and parameters
Using the Features to JSON tool to create a GeoJSON file
Software version in examples: ArcGIS Pro 3.4.2
Tutorial Data: The tutorial includes demonstration with sample data available here.
Credits: L. Meisterlin (2025)
This tutorial covers creating a GeoJSON file from a vector feature class with the Feature to JSON tool.
The tutorial uses the points1_table1_join feature class from the Standard Data Package available with other tutorial data here.
Accessing the Features to JSON tool
accessing the Features to JSON tool
The Features to JSON tool can be accessed within the Geoprocessing pane by clicking through the toolboxes: Conversion Tools > JSON > Features to JSON.
Alternatively, you can find the tool by using the search function.
The Features to JSON tool’s Options and Parameters
The Standard Inputs
The tool’s standard (required) parameters include
Input Features: Choose the vector feature class to convert to JSON or GeoJSON.
Output JSON: Choose the name and location for the output file.
First-level options include two checkboxes:
Formatted JSON will output a more readable version and is often helpful.
Output to GeoJSON will create a GeoJSON file (versus a JSON file).
GeoJSON Options
Choosing the Output to GeoJSON option will enable two additional checkboxes:
Project to WGS84: If your features are projected in a different CRS than (unprojected) WGS84, this option will project your coordinates before converting to GeoJSON. This is helpful given that most web-based uses of spatial data use WGS84 coordinates.
Use field aliases: If your attribute table uses field aliases, this option will preserve those aliases in the attributes (“properties”) of the resulting GeoJSON file.
the Features to JSON tool with example parameters
Running the tool & Examining the results
After running the tool, the GeoJSON file can be opened in a text editor, a browser, Visual Studio Code, or a similar platform.
Examining the results, you will find all the information of the feature class within the GeoJSON file.
Per feature, the vector geometry is detailed following “geometry” highlighted in pink in the image below. This includes the geometry type and the coordinates. In our example, point data includes a single coordinate pair. Polyline or polygon features would include multiple coordinates, reflecting the location of each vertex. Again, in our example, we checked the Project to WGS84 option, and thus these coordinates reflects coordinate locations in (unprojected) decimal degrees within the WGS84.
Per feature, the original attribute information is included as “properties” highlighted (underlined) in red in the image below. Here you’ll find each of the attribute values included in the original feature class.
geometry and properties of the first feature in the output GeoJSON file