Mapbox Vector Tile (MVT)
Overview
Mapbox Vector Tile (MVT) is a binary format for storing vector map data in a compact and efficient way, allowing for fast rendering and interaction in web mapping applications. Unlike raster tiles, vector tiles contain actual geometry that can be styled client-side.
Key Concepts
Protocol buffers (protobuf) is the binary encoding format. Tile coordinates identify tiles using Z/X/Y scheme. Layers group related features within a tile. Extent defines the coordinate space within a tile (typically 4096). Simplification reduces geometry complexity per zoom level. Overzoom allows rendering at higher zooms than tile data exists.
Advantages over Raster Tiles
| Aspect | Vector Tiles | Raster Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Styling | Client-side, dynamic | Pre-rendered, fixed |
| Zoom | Smooth scaling | Discrete levels |
| Interactivity | Feature access | Image only |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Labels | Rotate with view | Fixed orientation |
Appendix
Created: 2025-12-13 | Modified: 2025-12-13