IO Support Matrix

Context

Phase 6b needs one consistent answer to which formats deserve GPU-native implementation effort and which formats should remain hybrid or fallback paths.

Decision

  • GeoArrow is the canonical GPU-native interchange target.

  • GeoParquet is the canonical GPU-native persisted format.

  • WKB is a hybrid compatibility bridge.

  • GeoJSON and Shapefile are explicit hybrid pipelines.

  • Untargeted GDAL formats remain explicit fallback adapters.

Consequences

  • GPU-first implementation effort stays concentrated on the right formats.

  • Hybrid and fallback formats can still be supported without dictating the core architecture.

  • Later IO changes can share one planning surface instead of making per-format ad hoc decisions.