With the rising trend of location-based technology and geographical location API in the browser, we have seen an exponential growth of the mapping world inside the applications. These libraries will offer you the complexity of things like geographical coordinate systems, panning, zooming, and other facilities.
But while creating a location-based application, selecting a proper mapping library is crucial to provide the correct functionality to users. Nowadays, many people use Google maps to find a place or follow a route. But Google maps is far from an open-source alternative that is better for resolving specific needs and offers complex applications with various components and integrations.
What is Web Mapping?
Web mapping is a technique to publish spatial data visualization on the internet. But using web mapping tools requires knowledge of computer coding, especially Java Script. It is not mandatory to have a high proficiency in coding to get started with spatial visualizations. Although some web mapping tools require knowledge of HTML/CSS and various tools, they enable you to map and perform complex analyses without code.
So if you are starting with web mapping, then five libraries are helpful:
1. Leaflet JS
Leaflet JS is a light and easy-to-use library, and it is licensed under the BSD – clause and available on npm. Its lightweight component and easy API are the best decision when you need a simple map to plot a smaller amount of data. Moreover, its robust plugin ecosystem and additional features make Leaflet JS functional like other mapping libraries.
This library has an extensive user base and is quite popular among the developer’s list. It is an excellent first approach to web mapping libraries, and it does not require too much coding skill.
2. Openlayers
It is one of the first web mapping libraries used worldwide to display maps on the internet. It offers a robust and deep mapping API used to resolve complex applications. Additionally, it supports more complex features like editing polygons and more niche data like WMTS and heatmaps.
The main aim of Openlayers is to offer a complete-featured mapping library and cover the requirements of the geographical world like:
- Graticule
- Extensive support to OGC for better interoperability
- Custom projections and on–the–fly raster reprojection.
- Snapping and geographic edition.
- Raster task and color composting.
3. Mapbox
Mapbox brings revolution and standard in the open geospatial world that has completely changed the user experience of the map on the internet. Besides this, it offers various services like base maps, routing, and location search. Along with these services, it provides a series of mapping libraries, and many are open source.
Mapbox is the JavaScript library that streamlines rendering into a web browser. It is considered a powered mapping library that is performant and simple to use in 2D and 3D.
4. Google Maps API
It is one of the safest choices, whether for an expert or beginner. The company has established itself as a leader in the mapping world for a long time. It’s JavaScript API makes integration easy with Google maps or any other application, website, or service you need. Even the WordPress users will search other various plugins which support Google maps on their site, and all of them use API to offer the results.
5. Bing Maps
Microsoft Bing Maps is a highly well-known mapping service. Microsoft is working hard to add new features and enhancements to Bing Maps. A good AJAX Interactive SDK provides examples of components and code snippets for developers who want to build JavaScript applications. The Bing Maps platform provides multiple API options for apps, such as Web Control, Windows Store applications control, a Control for WPF, REST Services, and Spatial Data Services.
Which one is best?
As per Google trend 3, the most famous mapping APIs are LeafletJS, Google maps, and Mapbox. All these APIs can produce great online mapping and best fit your company and future development needs. Also, you can discover your web mapping application with free and powerful libraries.