Do I need to buy GIS software?

No. You can draw plots on a map, convert data you already have, or write the file by hand — all free and in your browser.

What's the simplest option for a smallholder with one field?

Use the map builder: find the field, trace its boundary (or drop a single point if it's 4 hectares or less), and export. No coordinates or software needed up front.

How do I know the GeoJSON is correct before submitting to TRACES?

Run it through the validator. It checks WGS-84, decimal precision, the 4-hectare rule, polygon integrity, holes and expected properties, and explains any fix.

Which properties should each plot include?

A ProducerCountry (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code) on every plot, an Area in hectares for point plots, and optionally a ProductionPlace name.

How to create a GeoJSON for EUDR

Every EUDR due-diligence statement needs a geolocation file in GeoJSON format. There are three practical ways to make one — pick the route that matches what you already have. All of them run in your browser; your plot data never leaves your device.

Route 1 — no GIS software

Draw your plots on a map

Best if you don’t have any coordinate data yet. Open the map builder, find your land, and trace it.

Pan and zoom to the plot on the satellite/OSM map.
Draw a boundary polygon (for plots over 4 ha) or drop a point (for ≤ 4 ha).
Edit vertices until the shape matches; watch the live area update.
Export a GeoJSON that already passes the EUDR validator.

Open the map builder →

Route 2 — you already have data

Convert a spreadsheet, KML or shapefile

Best if a supplier sent you coordinates in another format. The converter reads CSV, KML/KMZ, zipped shapefiles and WKT, reprojects to WGS-84, and validates the result.

Open the converter →

Route 3 — build it by hand

Write the GeoJSON directly

If you’re comfortable with a text editor, a GeoJSON is a FeatureCollection whose features are your plots. Remember: coordinates are [longitude, latitude], WGS-84, with at least 6 decimals; use a Point for plots ≤ 4 ha and a Polygon above that.

{
  "type": "FeatureCollection",
  "features": [
    {
      "type": "Feature",
      "properties": {
        "ProducerCountry": "BR",
        "ProductionPlace": "Farm A - small plot",
        "Area": 1.8
      },
      "geometry": {
        "type": "Point",
        "coordinates": [-43.936214, -19.921233]
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "Feature",
      "properties": {
        "ProducerCountry": "BR",
        "ProductionPlace": "Farm A - field 2"
      },
      "geometry": {
        "type": "Polygon",
        "coordinates": [
          [
            [-43.912345, -19.905678],
            [-43.908912, -19.905712],
            [-43.908845, -19.909234],
            [-43.912389, -19.909201],
            [-43.912345, -19.905678]
          ]
        ]
      }
    }
  ]
}

Paste your file into the validator to confirm it before submitting. See the full format requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy GIS software?: No. You can draw plots on a map, convert data you already have, or write the file by hand — all free and in your browser.
What's the simplest option for a smallholder with one field?: Use the map builder: find the field, trace its boundary (or drop a single point if it's 4 hectares or less), and export. No coordinates or software needed up front.
How do I know the GeoJSON is correct before submitting to TRACES?: Run it through the validator. It checks WGS-84, decimal precision, the 4-hectare rule, polygon integrity, holes and expected properties, and explains any fix.
Which properties should each plot include?: A ProducerCountry (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code) on every plot, an Area in hectares for point plots, and optionally a ProductionPlace name.