# MapLibre GL JS

> open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS

**Wikidata**: [Q110609581](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110609581)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maplibre-gl-js

## Summary
MapLibre GL JS is an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS, serving as a JavaScript library for interactive web maps. Released on March 24, 2021, it operates under a 3-clause BSD License and is primarily developed using TypeScript and OpenGL Shading Language. It functions as a web framework and npm package, enabling cross-platform map rendering.

## Key Facts
*   MapLibre GL JS is an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS.
*   It is licensed under the 3-clause BSD License.
*   The project's inception and publication date is March 24, 2021.
*   It is primarily programmed in TypeScript (since January 13, 2022) and OpenGL Shading Language, having previously used JavaScript (from March 24, 2021, to January 13, 2022).
*   MapLibre GL JS is classified as a JavaScript library, npm package, fork, open-source software, and web framework.
*   It runs on the web platform and is cross-platform.
*   The latest stable version listed is 1.14.0, published on March 24, 2021.
*   It is maintained by Bart Louwers.

## FAQs
### Q: What is MapLibre GL JS?
A: MapLibre GL JS is an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS. It is a JavaScript library and web framework designed for creating interactive maps on the web, operating under a permissive 3-clause BSD License.

### Q: When was MapLibre GL JS first released?
A: MapLibre GL JS had its inception and publication on March 24, 2021, with the release of version 1.14.0. An earlier stable version, 0.0.0, was published on December 9, 2020.

### Q: What license does MapLibre GL JS use?
A: MapLibre GL JS is distributed under the 3-clause BSD License, which allows users to freely use and redistribute the software.

### Q: What programming languages are used in MapLibre GL JS?
A: MapLibre GL JS is primarily developed using TypeScript and OpenGL Shading Language. It previously utilized JavaScript from its inception until January 13, 2022, before transitioning to TypeScript.

### Q: What is MapLibre GL JS based on?
A: MapLibre GL JS is based on Mapbox GL JS, from which it was forked to provide an open-source alternative.

## Why It Matters
MapLibre GL JS holds significant importance in the web mapping ecosystem as an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS. Its existence under a permissive 3-clause BSD License provides a crucial alternative for developers and organizations seeking flexible, community-driven solutions for interactive web maps, free from the licensing changes that prompted its creation. As a JavaScript library and web framework, it enables the rendering of dynamic maps directly in web browsers, supporting various data formats like Mapbox Vector Tiles and GeoJSON.

Its cross-platform nature ensures broad compatibility, allowing map applications to function across diverse computing environments. By implementing the MapLibre Style Specification, it offers a standardized way to style maps, fostering consistency and interoperability. The project's adoption by other open-source initiatives, such as Gramps Web and openstreetmap-website, underscores its practical utility and integration into the broader open-source community. MapLibre GL JS empowers developers with a robust, transparent, and adaptable tool for building modern, feature-rich mapping applications, contributing to the accessibility and innovation within geospatial technology.

## Notable For
*   Being an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS, providing a community-driven alternative for interactive web mapping.
*   Its permissive 3-clause BSD License, ensuring freedom of use and redistribution of its source code.
*   Implementing the MapLibre Style Specification, which allows for consistent and standardized map styling.
*   Its development primarily in TypeScript and OpenGL Shading Language, supporting modern web development practices and efficient rendering.
*   Its cross-platform compatibility, enabling interactive maps to operate seamlessly across various computing platforms.

## Body

### Overview
MapLibre GL JS is an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS. It is categorized as a JavaScript library, an npm package, a fork, open-source software, and a web framework. The software runs on the web platform and is designed to be cross-platform. Its inception and publication date is March 24, 2021. MapLibre GL JS is copyrighted. It is also known by the alias "maplibre-gl," which is also its npm package name. Official websites include https://maplibre.org/maplibre-gl-js-docs/ and https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js#readme. The source code repository is located at https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js.

### Technical Details
*   **License:** MapLibre GL JS is distributed under the 3-clause BSD License.
*   **Programming Languages:**
    *   Primarily TypeScript since January 13, 2022.
    *   Also utilizes OpenGL Shading Language.
    *   Previously used JavaScript from its inception on March 24, 2021, until January 13, 2022.
*   **Implementation:** It implements the MapLibre Style Specification.
*   **Supported File Formats:** MapLibre GL JS supports various readable file formats, including Mapbox Vector Tiles, GeoJSON, WebP, Portable Network Graphics (PNG), JPEG File Interchange Format (JPEG), WebM, MPEG-4 Part 14, Mapbox Style Specification, TileJSON, and MapLibre style.
*   **Dependencies:** The software depends on several packages, including @mapbox/geojson-rewind, @mapbox/jsonlint-lines-primitives, @mapbox/mapbox-gl-supported, @mapbox/point-geometry, @mapbox/tiny-sdf, @mapbox/unitbezier, @mapbox/vector-tile, @mapbox/whoots-js, csscolorparser, and earcut.

### Versions
*   The earliest stable version listed is 0.0.0, published on December 9, 2020.
*   The latest stable version listed is 1.14.0, published on March 24, 2021.
*   Several release candidate versions were published, including 1.13.0-rc.0 (December 10, 2020), 1.13.0-rc.1 (December 10, 2020), 1.13.0-rc.2 (December 10, 2020), 1.13.0-rc.3 (December 10, 2020), 1.13.0-rc.4 (December 11, 2020), 1.13.0-rc.5 (February 19, 2021), 1.14.0-rc.1 (March 24, 2021), and 1.14.1-rc.1 (June 16, 2021).

### Maintenance and Usage
*   MapLibre GL JS is maintained by Bart Louwers.
*   It is used by applications such as Gramps Web and openstreetmap-website.
*   A user manual is available at https://maplibre.org/maplibre-gl-js-docs/api/.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "MapLibre GL JS",
  "description": "An open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS, serving as a JavaScript library for interactive web maps.",
  "url": "https://maplibre.org/maplibre-gl-js-docs/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js",
    "/g/11rnbwh2jv"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/SoftwareApplication",
    "https://schema.org/WebApplication"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/blob/v2.0.1/LICENSE.txt)
2. [Source](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v2.0.0)
3. [npmjs](https://registry.npmjs.com/maplibre-gl)
4. [Release 3.0.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.0.0)
5. [Release 3.0.1. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.0.1)
6. [Release 3.1.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.1.0)
7. [Release 3.2.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.2.0)
8. [Release 3.2.1. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.2.1)
9. [Release 3.2.2. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.2.2)
10. [Release 3.3.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.3.0)
11. [Release 3.3.1. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.3.1)
12. [Release 3.4.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.4.0)
13. [Release 3.4.1. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.4.1)
14. [Release 3.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.5.0)
15. [Release 3.5.1. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.5.1)
16. [Release 3.5.2. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.5.2)
17. [Release 3.6.0. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.6.0)
18. [Release 3.6.1. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.6.1)
19. [Release 3.6.2. 2023](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v3.6.2)
20. [Release 4.0.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.0.0)
21. [Release 4.0.1. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.0.1)
22. [Release 4.0.2. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.0.2)
23. [Release 4.1.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.1.0)
24. [Release 4.1.1. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.1.1)
25. [Release 4.1.2. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.1.2)
26. [Release 4.1.3. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.1.3)
27. [Release 4.2.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.2.0)
28. [Release 4.3.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.3.0)
29. [Release 4.3.1. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.3.1)
30. [Release 4.3.2. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.3.2)
31. [Release 4.4.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.4.0)
32. [Release 4.4.1. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.4.1)
33. [Release 4.5.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.5.0)
34. [Release 4.5.1. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.5.1)
35. [Release 4.5.2. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.5.2)
36. [Release 4.6.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.6.0)
37. [Release 4.7.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.7.0)
38. [Release 4.7.1. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v4.7.1)
39. [Release 5.0.0. 2024](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.0.0)
40. [Release 5.0.1. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.0.1)
41. [Release 5.1.0. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.1.0)
42. [Release 5.1.1. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.1.1)
43. [Release 5.2.0. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.2.0)
44. [Release 5.3.0. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.3.0)
45. [Release 5.3.1. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.3.1)
46. [Release 5.4.0. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.4.0)
47. [Release 5.5.0. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.5.0)
48. [Release 5.6.0. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.6.0)
49. [Release 5.6.1. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.6.1)
50. [Release 5.6.2. 2025](https://github.com/maplibre/maplibre-gl-js/releases/tag/v5.6.2)