Raster Tile
Raster tile is a traditional approach that essentially renders spatial data (raster data and vector data) into map images at different zoom levels. These images are then partitioned according to specific rules and stored in hard drives or databases to form a complete map. Currently, most domestic online maps use raster tile technology for base map loading, such as Baidu Maps, Bing Maps, and Google Maps.
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| Figure: Raster tile structure |
Vector Tile
Vector tile is a new type of map data that slices vector maps according to different scale levels and partitioning rules, storing the resulting tiles in vector format. Compared to raster tiles, vector tiles have smaller storage size and higher generation efficiency, making them suitable for expressing time-sensitive features in maps such as POI information and route data. For instance, Tianditu employs vector tile technology for its POI layer to meet real-time data update requirements. Additionally, vector tiles enable offline map usage, significantly improving mobile map browsing performance and enhancing operational feasibility.
Moreover, vector tiles support style modifications without requiring repetitive processes of cartography, rendering, slicing, and service updates for different styles. In applications involving massive data like land resource management, vector tiles allow direct style adjustments when map styles change, saving time and effort.
Tile Type: Comparison
| Comparison Item | Vector Tile | Raster Tile |
| Tile Volume | Small | Large |
| Tile Generation Efficiency | High | Low |
| Tile Update | Supports separate tile and style updates | Requires retiling |
| Style Modification | Supported | Unsupported |
| Front-end Requirements | High (HTML5) | Low |
| Display Consistency | Variations exist | Consistent |
| Maturity | Moderate | High |
| Application Scenarios | Specialized (mobile, style customization) | Widespread |
Related Topics
Recommendations for Using Map Tiles