Data Formats

GeoJSON

Use: Intermediate and API responses. Human-readable, widely supported.

Pipelines often output normalized GeoJSON before tile generation. APIs may return GeoJSON for feature queries (e.g. gazetteer search, access routes).

PMTiles

Use: Vector tiles for the map. Single-file, HTTP-range-request friendly.

PMTiles are the primary vector tile format for TrueTopo layers. They work well with R2 and CDN: one URL per layer, efficient range requests, no tile server required.

MBTiles

Use: Raster or vector tiles in SQLite container.

Used when tools or clients expect MBTiles (e.g. offline packs, compatibility). Can be generated from the same GeoJSON as PMTiles via Tippecanoe.

FlatGeobuf

Use: Large feature sets, optional streaming or batch access.

Alternative to GeoJSON for big datasets when you need efficient random access without a full tile pyramid.