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Polymaps VS OpenMapTiles

Compare Polymaps VS OpenMapTiles and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Polymaps logo Polymaps

Polymaps is a free JavaScript library for making dynamic, interactive maps in web browsers.

OpenMapTiles logo OpenMapTiles

Design and host maps with OpenStreetMap vector tiles and open-source tools. Maps are compatible with Leaflet, Mapbox GL SDKs, GIS, WMTS/WMS, XYZ map tiles, etc.
  • Polymaps Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-06-10
  • OpenMapTiles Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-20

Polymaps features and specs

  • High Customizability
    Polymaps offers a wide range of customization options, allowing developers to create highly personalized map visualizations tailored to specific needs.
  • SVG-Based Mapping
    Utilizing Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), Polymaps allows for the creation of high-quality maps that can be easily styled and scaled without loss of resolution.
  • Lightweight and Fast
    Polymaps is designed to be lightweight, ensuring fast rendering and interaction, which is particularly beneficial for applications that require quick map updates and performance.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source library, Polymaps offers the ability for developers to inspect, modify, and enhance the source code, fostering community-driven improvements and transparency.
  • Designed for Data Visualization
    Polymaps is optimized for the representation of data on maps, providing tools and features specifically aimed at creating informative and interactive geographic data visualizations.

Possible disadvantages of Polymaps

  • Limited Tile Sources
    Polymaps primarily supports tiles served over the internet, which can be a limitation if a developer requires integration with other tile sources not supported by default.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Due to its flexibility and advanced features, developers unfamiliar with map visualizations or SVG may find the initial learning curve challenging.
  • Less Community Support
    Compared to more popular mapping libraries, Polymaps has a smaller community, which can result in fewer resources, such as tutorials and plugins, to assist developers in troubleshooting and extending functionality.
  • Deprecated or Outdated
    The project has not seen significant updates in recent years, which might result in compatibility issues with modern web technologies and make it less suitable for long-term projects.
  • Browser Compatibility
    Although support for modern browsers is generally good, Polymaps may not perform as well on older browsers due to its reliance on SVG and modern JavaScript.

OpenMapTiles features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenMapTiles is open source, which means you can modify and distribute the code, offering flexibility and community-driven improvements.
  • Cost-Effective
    Being open source and having options for self-hosting, it can be a cost-effective solution compared to proprietary alternatives.
  • Customization
    Users can tailor maps to specific requirements, thanks to the flexibility in styling and data choices.
  • Wide Platform Support
    OpenMapTiles can be used with a variety of platforms and technologies, ensuring compatibility with most mapping applications and systems.
  • Regular Updates
    Frequent updates ensure that users have access to the latest data and features, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the maps.

Possible disadvantages of OpenMapTiles

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex, requiring significant technical expertise to implement and customize.
  • Limited Support
    While community support is available, users might face challenges in obtaining dedicated support, compared to proprietary solutions.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running and maintaining self-hosted tile servers can be resource-intensive, requiring sufficient computational and storage capabilities.
  • Learning Curve
    There is a steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with the open data formats and technologies used by OpenMapTiles.
  • Potential Data Gaps
    Reliance on open data sources might lead to occasional data gaps or inconsistencies, affecting map detail and accuracy in some regions.

Polymaps videos

+ Add

The SINE Player: Episode 5 - Articulations and Polymaps

More videos:

  • Review - Minecraft: Cobble Clicker Skyblock By Polymaps(Review)

OpenMapTiles videos

+ Add

OpenMapTiles: Vector tiles from OpenStreetMap

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Polymaps and OpenMapTiles)

Polymaps

OpenMapTiles

Maps
33 33%
Maps
67% 67
Web Mapping
32 32%
Web Mapping
68% 68
Tool
51 51%
Tool
49% 49
Travel & Location
49 49%
Travel & Location
51% 51

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Polymaps and OpenMapTiles

Polymaps Reviews

A Complete Overview of the Best Data Visualization Tools
Polymaps is a dedicated JavaScript library for mapping. The outputs are dynamic, responsive maps in a variety of styles, from image overlays to symbol maps to density maps. It uses SVG to create the images, so designers can use CSS to customize the visuals of their maps.
Source: www.toptal.com
The Best Data Visualization Tools - Top 30 BI Software
Polymaps is designed to visualize maps. It is a JavaScript library that uses SVG to represent geographical data from the country level down to a local street. You use CSS rules to style your visualization and data can be easily interpreted by Polymaps via the GeoJSON standard. All maps created with Polymaps can be made interactive.
Source: improvado.io

OpenMapTiles Reviews

We have no reviews of OpenMapTiles yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenMapTiles seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 14 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Polymaps mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Polymaps yet. Tracking of Polymaps recommendations started around Mar 2021.

OpenMapTiles mentions (14)

  • VersaTiles – a complete FLOSS map stack
    Functionally they are rather similar in what they're aiming for. Architecturally there are some differences. OpenFreeMap uses the MapTiles format [1] which is an open source format for vector tiles that does require the attribution of the OpenMapTiles page for every map generated from it (CC-BY license). Versatiles uses the Shortbread format instead [2] which is published under a CC0 license. Instead of the SQLite... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • I honestly don't like using most Openstreetmap websites: slow, clunky. Is there a better way to do this faster on my own desktop?
    The docs of https://openmaptiles.org is probably enough and they also offer a tileset. Creating your own vectortiles from openstreetmap is a bit of a rabbit hole as well as resource demanding task. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • How would you build something like this?
    Something like https://openmaptiles.org/ to host map server. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Synology Photos HEIC support after 7.1.1-42962 Update 4
    Custom tiles are doable (see also https://openmaptiles.org/), but then you need some people dedicated to maintain the data and serving them; your costs would shift from buying the service to your own operations. Thi would be still non-zero (compared to current state). Source: about 2 years ago
  • Any websites that make world maps for board games?
    Https://openmaptiles.org/ - usable with copyright attribution and a bit of effort on your part. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Polymaps and OpenMapTiles, you can also consider the following products

Google Maps - Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Leaflet - Leaflet is a modern, lightweight open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps.

OpenStreetMap - OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Alta4 - Alta4 is a web-based GIS software and service that has been successful with its advanced IT solutions.

OpenLayers - A high-performance, feature-packed library for all your mapping needs.

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

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