scene_json.hpp provides read_scene_json(text) and write_scene_json(scene). Both throw on invalid data; writing omits default values. The C++ members view and db are flattened into their containing JSON objects.

Object	Field	Default / requirement
Scene	sources	Empty ordered array
Scene	center	[longitude, latitude] in degrees; [0, 0]
Scene	resolution	Metres per pixel; 9783.94
Source	address	Required, nonempty
Source	source_name	Empty string
Source	children	Empty ordered array of layers and sources
Layer	table_name, column_name	Required, nonempty
Layer	schema_name	Empty string
Layer	raster, hidden	false
Layer	color, width	#000000, 1 pixel
Layer	fill	No fill

Coordinates and resolution must be finite; resolution must be positive. Colors are #RRGGBB or #AARRGGBB (alpha first); width 0 keeps the cosmetic pen. Width must be finite and nonnegative.

A child with address is a source; each layer uses its immediate parent's address. Sources may nest up to 32 levels.

Known fields do not accept null. Unknown fields are ignored and lost on subsequent writing.

Sources are not opened. Addresses are preserved verbatim; relative paths are not resolved and source names are not generated.

{
  "center": [12.4964, 41.9028],
  "resolution": 20,
  "sources": [{
    "address": "rome.gpkg",
    "source_name": "Rome",
    "children": [
      {"table_name": "roads", "column_name": "geom", "color": "#FF8800", "width": 2},
      {"address": "imagery.tif"},
      {"table_name": "areas", "column_name": "geom", "fill": "#804080FF", "hidden": true}
    ]
  }]
}