GeoLab vs DuckDB CLI
GeoLab and DuckDB CLI share SQL concepts but package them for different outputs. GeoLab couples browser-local queries to spatial detection and an interactive map; DuckDB CLI couples native DuckDB to a terminal, scripts, files, and persistent database workflows.
Compared against cited public documentation. Last reviewed August 26, 2026; product capabilities may change.
| Capability | GeoLab | DuckDB CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Open the web application | Install or download the native DuckDB CLI binary |
| Engine | DuckDB-WASM in a Web Worker | Native DuckDB process |
| SQL first | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-source queries | Yes; imported CSV and GeoJSON tables in one browser connection | Yes; file readers, attached databases, extensions, and native DuckDB tables |
| Spatial support | Spatial is loaded automatically and used by the interface | Available by installing and loading the Spatial extension |
| Map output | Built-in interactive map and layer controls | No built-in interactive GIS map in the CLI |
| Persistence | Session-only in v0.1.0 | In-memory or persistent DuckDB database files |
| Automation | Interactive browser workflow | Terminal pipelines, SQL scripts, shell automation, and repeatable batch commands |
| Input scope | CSV and GeoJSON through the UI | Broader DuckDB readers and extension-dependent sources |
Use GeoLab when
- You want a visible map immediately after a browser SQL query.
- You are inspecting a local CSV or GeoJSON and do not need a durable database file.
- Interactive feature picking and basic layer styling matter more than shell automation.
Use DuckDB CLI when
- You need persistent DuckDB database files, repeatable scripts, or headless execution.
- You need broader DuckDB input/output capabilities without GeoLab's UI boundary.
- You want native execution and terminal integration rather than a browser map.
Shared considerations
- Spatial functions require the Spatial extension in both environments.
- CRS transformations, units, topology, and predicate semantics remain explicit SQL concerns.
- The same SQL may need adaptation when browser-available extensions or file access differ from native DuckDB.
Sources and scope
These links document the product behavior summarized above. GeoLab-specific claims are limited to the current public v0.1.0 implementation.
- GeoLab README and sourceCurrent v0.1.0 inputs, execution model, interface, and limitations.
- DuckDB CLI overviewOfficial terminal client, invocation, input, and output behavior.
- DuckDB ATTACHOfficial persistent database and multi-database attachment behavior.
- DuckDB SpatialOfficial extension setup and scope.