How CARTO Works

What is CARTO?

CARTO is a platform enabling users to build Location Intelligence applications. The system helps organizations visualize, analyze, and gain insights using your own data, as well as to enrich your understanding with our available data streams.

Why You Need This

This overview suits:

• New CARTO users
• Experienced users seeking platform overviews
• Those evaluating CARTO’s suitability

How Data Works with CARTO

CARTO stores information as datasets – PostgreSQL database tables occupying account storage space. Datasets are created through:

• File imports via Builder UI or the Import API
• SQL queries creating tables
• Database connector imports

Automatic Dataset Fields

CARTO adds three essential fields automatically:

• cartodb_id: Primary key with unique, non-null values
• the_geom: Stores geometries (points, lines, polygons) in EPSG:4326 projection
• the_geom_webmercator: Hidden field storing geometries in EPSG:3857 for map rendering

Dataset Uses

• Explore or modify data using SQL queries
• Build maps in Builder
• Create apps using CARTO.js or CARTO VL
• Analyze data with CARTOframes library

Designing Maps

Maps require two elements: style properties and data. CARTO combines these to create layers rendered on maps. Maps and datasets are distinct – removing a map preserves datasets, but deleting a dataset removes associated maps.

Using Your Data

Explore datasets through SQL queries. Enhance data using the Data Observatory, Data Library, or services like geocoding, isolines, and routing.

Developing Apps

CARTO offers multiple development tools:

• CARTO.js and CARTO VL (JavaScript libraries)
• Airship (design tools and components)
• CARTOframes (Python package)
• Python SDK
• Mobile SDK
• CARTO APIs
• Data Observatory