Protomaps

Protomaps is an open source project for the creation and use of vector maps. It was developed as a lightweight alternative to conventional map providers and offers a number of advantages.

Open Source

Fully open source code for maximum transparency and customisability.

Self-hosting

Maps can be hosted on your own servers without dependence on external services.

Privacy

The maps can be published securely and in a privacy-friendly manner, without using tracking mechanisms like many commercial map services.

Compact format

The map data is stored in the efficient PMTiles format.

Offline use

The maps can be used completely offline so that they can be used reliably even in crisis areas.

Areas of application

Protomaps is particularly suitable for:

• web developers who want to integrate maps into their applications

• projects with limited bandwidth or in regions with limited internet connection

• privacy-sensitive applications that should not send data to third parties

• map applications that should function independently of commercial providers

Technology stack

Protomaps can be used with various JavaScript libraries:

• Maplibre GL JS

• Leaflet

• OpenLayers

Data sources

The map data comes mainly from OpenStreetMap, but can be supplemented with your own data.