Driver selection

GeoDataFrames selects an I/O driver from a filename extension. Importing a native format package activates its extension, so the same read or write call can dispatch to that package's native implementation in the current session. Without an active native extension, automatic selection uses ArchGDAL.

ArchGDALDriver() remains available as an explicit fallback. Select it when a native extension is unavailable or when an ArchGDAL/GDAL workflow is required, even if a native package has been imported.

Each native package owns its read and write interface. Its keyword arguments may differ in name, meaning, and availability from ArchGDAL's and from those of other native packages. GeoDataFrames therefore delegates those keywords rather than presenting an unsafe unified keyword vocabulary.

For the selection procedure, see use a native driver. The native-driver reference lists available extensions, and the ArchGDAL reference describes the fallback driver.