Vectormaps

[Bernd Welter]

Hi there,

every once in a while I get asked whether PTV is able to offer vector based maps (= maps where the server returns vector data which is then rendered on the client). Here's some info:

• AVAILABILITY: Yes we do offer such maps though we currently cover only a subset of the logical data we usually sell.
• SERVER: If you want to host your own VECTORMAPS on a server you can use the PTV AJAX MAPS or another compact standalone servlet. Configure the folder where the pre-calculated map data is stored..
• CLIENT: for webapplications you can use LEAFLET (0.x or 1.x) which offers specific libraries. You then connect to the server URL, that's it.
• Mobile clients: for mobile clients running IOS or Android we can provide libraries for native usage. This also works in browsers.

And besides those facts here are some pro's and con's:

PRO	CONTRA
more flexible in the colour scheme of the rendering as each and every colour can be parametrized on client side vector maps transfer less data through the network compared to traditional tiled image maps rendering doesn't depend on screen ratio which is a benefit for mobile devices Offline maps are possible	Not each standard map is available as vectormap. Let us know what you need and we can decide how to proceed. higher CPU workload due (compared to image maps). This is also the case with google maps. do not support FeatureLayer

Get back to this thread if you have questions / wishes.

Best regards,
Bernd

[Bernd Welter]

Update:

This article refers to xMap1 and Ajax maps which is an outdated infrastructure we recommend not to use anymore.

In the meantime the state-of-the-art vector maps integration is available through PTV Developer (launched in 2021). Check the following tutorials:

• Vector maps with React
• Vector map with satellite
• Vector maps with restrictions

Bernd

[Bernd Welter]

Another benefit from Vector Maps as provided within PTV Developer:

House number visibility!

Very detailed visualization of the house numbers - way more info ist shown compared to an old school raster map

Old school mapserver map - house number sections are displayed, but not all the available individual numbers