To generate vector tiles, first prepare an effective vector map. SuperMap supports generating vector tiles from point, line, polygon, and text layers. Most symbolization and layer settings in SuperMap can be supported by MapBox styles. However, due to differences in style representation between MapBox and SuperMap, there are some limitations in vector map production. This document details key cartographic considerations through standard map production workflows:

1. Data Coordinate System

2. Reduce Data Complexity

3. Symbolize Maps

4. Text Effects

5. Create Thematic Maps

6. Set Visible Scale Range

7. Layer Display Filters

8. Display Differences Between Tiles and Original Maps

Data Coordinate System

When creating maps, if the data coordinate system differs from the map display coordinate system, dynamic projection can enable correct display. However, for vector tile generation, we recommend converting data to the map's display coordinate system first. The reason: Vector tiles use the map's display coordinate system. Different coordinate systems will trigger on-the-fly conversion during tile generation, which consumes significant disk space and processing time for large datasets, affecting efficiency.

Reduce Data Complexity

During vector tile generation, dense geometries undergo node simplification to improve performance. While usually visually negligible, exceptions exist. For example: Using polygon rivers at small scales (left image below) with complex nodes may result in distorted shapes after simplification (right image). We recommend using line features for rivers at small scales and splitting complex geometries with excessive sub-features to improve processing speed.

Figure: Line symbol display effects in original map (left) vs vector tile (right)

Symbolize Maps

MapBox supports most point symbols, common line symbols (e.g., roads), and basic fill patterns. Avoid complex symbols that may render incorrectly. Replace unsupported symbols using alternatives below:

Unsupported point/line symbols and alternatives:

Symbol Type	SuperMap Symbol	Vector Tile Display	Alternative Solution
Point			Create new point symbol using square geometry.
Line			Create line symbol with short dash sublines and adjust virtual-real mode.

Unsupported polygon symbols and alternatives:

Symbol Type	SuperMap Symbol	Vector Tile Display	Alternative Solution
Polygon			Convert fill patterns to images, then create fill symbols using image fills.

Text Effects

MapBox has limitations in text effects support:

Text Effect	Original Map	Vector Tile	Supported
Bold Outline			√
Bold Italic			√
Shadow			×

Create Thematic Maps

MapBox supports limited thematic map types:

Figure: Thematic map support in MapBox

Set Visible Scale Range

Set visible scale ranges for layers to optimize vector tile rendering performance. Use global scales for reference.

Layer Display Filters

Vector tiles support basic filter expressions:

1. Comparison operators: =, >, <, != (e.g., GDP_2014 > 10000)
2. Logical operators: AND, OR, NOT (e.g., POP_2014>4000 AND GDP_2014>15039.38)

Display Differences Between Tiles and Original Maps

• Text Layout: Different line break handling between MapBox and SuperMap

  Original Map	Vector Tile

• Label Alongline: Different label placement algorithms

  Original Map	Vector Tile

• Overlap Settings: MapBox handles feature overlaps differently

  Figure: Unsupported overlap settings in vector tiles

Related Topics

Map Tiles

Vector Tile

Vector Tile FAQ