25.1.21. Vector Tiles

25.1.21.1. Write vector tiles (MBTiles)

Exports one or more vector layers to vector tiles, a data format optimized for fast map rendering and small data size.

MBTiles is a specification for storing tiled map data in SQLite databases for immediate usage and for transfer. MBTiles files are known as tilesets.

Parameters

Label

Name

Type

Description

Input layers

INPUT

[vector: any][list]

A list of layers to combine to generate the vector tiles

Minimum zoom level

MIN_ZOOM

[number]

Default: 0

The lowest zoom level for which the tileset provides data. Set between 0 and 24.

Maximum zoom level

MAX_ZOOM

[number]

Default: 3

The highest zoom level for which the tileset provides data. Set between 0 and 24.

Extent

Optional

EXTENT

[extent]

Default: Not set

The maximum extent of the rendered map area. Bounds must define an area covered by all zoom levels.

Metadata: Name

Optional

META_NAME

[string]

Name of the tileset

Metadata: Description

Optional

META_DESCRIPTION

[string]

A description of the tileset’s contents

Metadata: Attribution

Optional

META_ATTRIBUTION

[string]

An attribution string, which explains the sources of data and/or style for the map.

Metadata: Version

Optional

META_VERSION

[string]

The version of the tileset. This refers to a revision of the tileset itself, not of the MBTiles specification.

Metadata: Type

Optional

META_TYPE

[string]

Type of tileset. Possible values are overlay or baselayer.

Metadata: Center

Optional

META_CENTER

[string]

The center (string of comma-separated numbers: the longitude, latitude, and zoom level) of the default view of the map. Example: -122.1906,37.7599,11

Destination MBTiles

OUTPUT

[vector tiles]

Default: [Save to temporary file]

Specification of the output MBTiles file. One of:

  • Save to a Temporary File

  • Save to File…

Outputs

Label

Name

Type

Description

Destination MBTiles

OUTPUT

[file]

Output vector tiles .mbtiles file.

Python code

Algorithm ID: native:writevectortiles_mbtiles

import processing
processing.run("algorithm_id", {parameter_dictionary})

The algorithm id is displayed when you hover over the algorithm in the Processing Toolbox. The parameter dictionary provides the parameter NAMEs and values. See Using processing algorithms from the console for details on how to run processing algorithms from the Python console.

25.1.21.2. Write vector tiles (XYZ)

Exports one or more vector layers to vector tiles, a data format optimized for fast map rendering and small data size.

Parameters

Label

Name

Type

Description

File template

XYZ_TEMPLATE

[string]

Default: ‘{z}/{x}/{y}.pbf’

Template to generate the vector tiles url

Input layers

INPUT

[vector: any][list]

A list of layers to combine to generate the vector tiles

Minimum zoom level

MIN_ZOOM

[number]

Default: 0

The lowest zoom level for which the tileset provides data. Set between 0 and 24.

Maximum zoom level

MAX_ZOOM

[number]

Default: 3

The highest zoom level for which the tileset provides data. Set between 0 and 24.

Extent

Optional

EXTENT

[extent]

Default: Not set

The maximum extent of the rendered map area. Bounds must define an area covered by all zoom levels.

Output directory

OUTPUT_DIRECTORY

[folder]

Default: [Save to temporary folder]

Specification of the output vector tiles folder. One of:

  • Save to a Temporary Directory

  • Save to Directory

Outputs

Label

Name

Type

Description

Output directory

OUTPUT_DIRECTORY

[folder]

A folder containing different subsets of the vector tiles files (.pbf) stored in subfolders corresponding to the zoom levels.

Python code

Algorithm ID: native:writevectortiles_xyz

import processing
processing.run("algorithm_id", {parameter_dictionary})

The algorithm id is displayed when you hover over the algorithm in the Processing Toolbox. The parameter dictionary provides the parameter NAMEs and values. See Using processing algorithms from the console for details on how to run processing algorithms from the Python console.