diff --git a/umap/models.py b/umap/models.py
index 265c52eb..36404794 100644
--- a/umap/models.py
+++ b/umap/models.py
@@ -526,7 +526,10 @@ class DataLayer(NamedModel):
         metadata = self.settings
         if not metadata:
             # Fallback to file for old datalayers.
-            data = json.loads(self.geojson.read().decode())
+            try:
+                data = json.loads(self.geojson.read().decode())
+            except FileNotFoundError:
+                data = {}
             metadata = data.get("_umap_options")
             if not metadata:
                 metadata = {