Editor FAQs - Datasets and Data

What databases are supported by CARTO?

CARTO’s geospatial database is built on PostgreSQL and supports PostGIS capabilities. All tables include the_geom column, which indexes geometries using the EPSG:4326 (WGS 1984) coordinate system. The system automatically generates the_geom_webmercator for quick map tile creation. The CARTO Engine connects your database with the Map API and SQL APIs for remote data interaction.

How to export datasets from CARTO?

You can export datasets for offline use. To export:

1. Visit the Data page
2. Click on a dataset name
3. Select Export from the Edit dropdown menu
4. Choose your preferred file format

Supported formats: CSV, Shapefile, KML, GeoJSON, and SVG

Tip: Use the SQL API with your table URL for different export formats, like: http://{USERNAME}.cartodb.com/api/v2/sql?format=csv&q=SELECT+*+FROM+tm_world_borders_sim

What licensing terms does CARTO administrate for my uploaded data?

See terms and conditions for Subscriber Content at the legal page.

What format does CARTO use for geographic coordinates?

CARTO uses decimal degrees for geographic coordinates, representing latitude and longitude as an alternative to degrees, minutes, and seconds. This is the most common format for web mapping applications.

Why does CARTO use Census Bureau ZCTAs, not USPS zip codes?

US Census Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTA) are used to reference geocodes for USPS postal codes service areas. This reflects US Government licensing restrictions on zip code data. ZCTAs aggregate census blocks to create geometric representations of USPS service areas.

Why has my dataset size increased after uploading?

Database tables require more storage than CSV files due to indexes and data types. Data stored on disk is optimized for lookup and retrieval speed rather than minimal storage space.

Can I synchronize my datasets in real time?

Automatic syncing has a minimum interval of one hour, but you can manually synchronize every 15 minutes. Click Sync now to sync data in real time, or access Sync settings from the Edit menu.

How do I geocode IP addresses included in my data?

IP addresses must be isolated in their own column for geocoding. Use an SQL query like:

UPDATE tablename SET new_ip_column = substring(old_ip_address_column_name, '(?:\d{1,3}\.){3}\d{1,3}')

Alternatively, use the Georeference option and select IP Addresses.

How can I lock a dataset/map?

Locking prevents unwanted changes and hides the item from your dashboard. Options include:

• From the Data page: Click the three-dot menu and select Lock
• From dataset view: Select Lock dataset from the Edit menu

Access locked items using the Locked filter.

Why isn’t my Shapefile importing?

Ensure your shapefile upload meets these requirements:

1. Upload a zipped file, not individual files
2. Include .shp, .dbf, .shx, and .prj files
3. All files share the same prefix (e.g., myshapefile.zip, myshapefile.shp)

Why is my URL-imported dataset empty?

When importing from a public URL, an empty dataset may indicate missing proper files. Download and verify the URL file contains data. If the URL provides a .zip with multiple files, CARTO uploads only one. Import only the data file needed, or check if the data is available through CARTO’s Common Data section.

How can I export my dataset without geocoded data?

Use a custom SQL query to exclude location information. From the sidebar, click SQL and enter:

SELECT {column name}, {another column name} FROM {tablename}

Replace column names and table name as needed, then click Apply query. Export the resulting dataset.