TileMaker

4.00

RATING

23 K+

EXPOSURE

About this tool

Name

TileMaker

Category

tools

Tilemaker, located at https://tilemaker.org/, is an open-source vector tile generator launched in 2015 by Richard Fairhurst and contributors, aimed at creating customizable map tiles from OpenStreetMap data without complex infrastructure. Leveraging C++ with Boost.Geometry and Lua scripting, it provides exceptional support to indie developers, GIS professionals, and map enthusiasts, serving a wide user base. Its core features include: Vector Tile Creation: Converts OpenStreetMap .pbf files into Mapbox-compatible .mvt tiles; Customizable Schemas: Lua and JSON configs allow tailored data layers (e.g., roads, POIs); Memory Efficiency: Version 3.0 reduces memory usage by 85% with on-disk storage; OpenMapTiles Compatibility: Includes pre-built configs for standard map styles; Self-Hosted Deployment: Outputs .mbtiles for serving with tools like MapLibre GL. These features are renowned for enabling lightweight, interactive maps, earning praise from mapping communities. Available with a Free Mode (open-source, no cost) at https://github.com/systemed/tilemaker, its flexibility is widely praised, though the need for Lua scripting knowledge remains an area for improvement.

Ratings and Reviews

Indie Mapping Made Simple

4.00

Tilemaker’s “vector tile creation” made my “city map project” a reality—OSM community vibes! Free Experience’s customization, OpenMapTiles schema’s quick start. Lua scripting’s tricky—4 stars for this innovative tool!

October 25, 2024

Theo Schmidt

Powerful but Not Plug-and-Play

3.50

Built a cycling map with “custom schemas” fast—GitHub buzz cred’s valid. Free Experience’s open-source freedom, but setup’s complexity’s drawback; needs better docs. 3.5 stars, solid for pros.

August 10, 2024

Maria Lopes

Map Tiles Without the Hassle

4.50

Tilemaker’s “memory efficiency” nailed my “national park map”—OSM forum praise shines! Free Experience’s no-cost power, tilemaker-server’s easy hosting. Subbed—4.5 stars for this gem!

January 5, 2025

Arjun Patel

How to use

Sign Up: Visit https://tilemaker.org/, download the tool from https://github.com/systemed/tilemaker (no account needed), or contact via GitHub issues. Setup: Install Tilemaker, download an OSM .pbf extract from https://download.geofabrik.de/, and configure JSON/Lua files, completed in 15-30 minutes. Core Action: Run Tilemaker to generate .mbtiles, with vector tiles for web or app rendering. Manage: Serve tiles using tilemaker-server or export .mbtiles, using SQLite-compatible tools. Enhance: Customize layers with Lua scripts or add coastline data, via resources like https://www.naturalearthdata.com/.

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