Mapy.com tests vector maps
Mapy.com is implementing vector maps to replace raster tiles and is addressing transition-related issues. Users report rendering errors, poor performance, missing icons, and display problems, particularly on slower machines. The Mapy.com team confirms that migration to vector technology is inevitable.
Better zoom, sharper image, which may come at the cost of worse performance. When transitioning from raster to vector maps, much of the work that servers previously handled shifts to end-user devices (phones, desktop PCs, etc.)
What are the main differences between raster and vector maps?
Raster maps are pre-rendered images of individual tiles, while vector maps contain geometric data (lines, polygons) and styling information that is rendered on the user's device. Vector maps enable smooth zooming at any level and sharper display on high-resolution screens, but require more computational power on the client side.
Why can vector maps be slower than raster maps?
Vector maps shift rendering work from servers to end-user devices. Instead of servers rendering and storing pre-made images, they send only data that each client must render at high quality. This requires significantly more computation with each zoom or pan operation, particularly challenging on older or weaker machines.
How can users tell if they are using the new vector map version?
One way is to check the URL in the address bar – vector version supports non-integer zoom levels, appearing as `z=11.446` in the URL, while raster version always has whole numbers. Mapy.com also provides special test links to switch between versions.
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