# Planetiler

> open-source vector map tile generator

**Wikidata**: [Q116859588](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116859588)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/planetiler

## Summary
Planetiler is an open-source vector map tile generator designed to efficiently convert geographic data into web-compatible map tiles. Written in Java, it supports formats like Mapbox Vector Tiles and integrates with projects such as OpenMapTiles. Its primary output is a geographical database used for rendering interactive maps.

## Key Facts
- Planetiler is licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0.
- The project's source code is hosted at https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler.
- It is written in Java and produces Mapbox Vector Tiles using Protocolbuffer Binary Format.
- First stable release was version 0.7.0, published on October 2, 2023.
- Compatible with the OpenMapTiles schema and ecosystem.
- Latest known version is 0.8.2, released on July 2, 2024.
- Planetiler functions as both an open-source software tool and a file converter.
- It generates geographical databases suitable for web mapping applications.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Planetiler used for?
A: Planetiler is used to generate vector map tiles from raw geographic data, which can then be served and displayed on web or mobile maps. It enables fast and scalable production of map assets compatible with tools like OpenMapTiles.

### Q: Is Planetiler free to use?
A: Yes, Planetiler is open-source software distributed under the permissive Apache Software License 2.0, allowing free usage and redistribution.

### Q: Which programming language is Planetiler written in?
A: Planetiler is implemented in Java, making it portable across platforms that support Java runtime environments.

## Why It Matters
Planetiler addresses the growing need for efficient, scalable generation of vector map tiles—essential components for modern web-based mapping services. Traditional methods often require complex infrastructure or are computationally intensive; Planetiler streamlines this process by offering a self-contained, high-performance solution. By supporting widely adopted standards like Mapbox Vector Tiles and integrating seamlessly with OpenMapTiles, it lowers the barrier for developers aiming to deploy custom map servers or offline mapping solutions. This makes it particularly valuable for organizations needing control over their geospatial data pipelines without relying on proprietary cloud services.

## Notable For
- Being one of the few open-source tools optimized for generating global-scale vector map tiles quickly.
- Supporting integration with the OpenMapTiles stack, enhancing interoperability within the open map ecosystem.
- Using Java as its core implementation language, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and performance optimization.
- Releasing frequent updates and maintaining semantic versioning since its initial public releases in late 2021.
- Producing compact, performant outputs ideal for serving via tile servers or embedding in mobile apps.

## Body
### Overview
Planetiler is an open-source command-line utility developed to simplify the creation of vector map tiles from large-scale geographic datasets. It focuses on speed and efficiency, targeting users who want to build custom map tilesets without depending on third-party providers.

### Technical Details
- **Programming Language**: Java
- **Readable Format**: Protocolbuffer Binary Format
- **Writable Format**: Mapbox Vector Tiles
- **License**: Apache Software License 2.0
- **Repository URL**: https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler
- **Compatible With**: OpenMapTiles

### Development History & Version Timeline
Planetiler has seen consistent development with multiple tagged releases since late 2021:
- **v0.1.0** – Released October 25, 2021
- **v0.2.0** – Released December 23, 2021
- **v0.3.0** – Released February 17, 2022
- **v0.4.0** – Released March 31, 2022
- **v0.5.0** – Released June 6, 2022
- **v0.6.0** – Released April 1, 2023
- **v0.7.0 (First Stable)** – Released October 2, 2023
- **v0.8.0** – Released June 18, 2024
- **v0.8.1** – Released June 29, 2024
- **v0.8.2** – Released July 2, 2024

Each version introduced improvements in performance, feature completeness, and stability, culminating in the designation of v0.7.0 onward as “stable” versions.

### Output and Integration
The main output of Planetiler is a set of vector map tiles compliant with the Mapbox Vector Tile specification. These tiles are typically used alongside stylesheets to render interactive maps in browsers or native applications. Due to its compatibility with OpenMapTiles schemas, Planetiler-generated tiles work out-of-the-box with popular front-end libraries like MapLibre GL JS and Mapbox GL JS.

### Licensing and Distribution
As open-source software under the Apache Software License 2.0, Planetiler allows unrestricted use, modification, and distribution. Users retain full rights to integrate it into commercial products while benefiting from community contributions and ongoing maintenance.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/blob/08dc1e679bbbefd05c3e5080f47a094ef763c034/LICENSE)
2. [Release 0.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.1.0)
3. [Release 0.2.0. 2021](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.2.0)
4. [Release 0.3.0. 2022](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
5. [Release 0.4.0. 2022](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.4.0)
6. [Release 0.5.0. 2022](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
7. [Release 0.6.0. 2023](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.6.0)
8. [Release 0.7.0. 2023](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.7.0)
9. [Release 0.8.0. 2024](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.8.0)
10. [Release 0.8.1. 2024](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.8.1)
11. [Release 0.8.2. 2024](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.8.2)
12. [Release 0.8.3. 2024](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.8.3)
13. [Release 0.8.4. 2025](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.8.4)
14. [Release 0.9.0. 2025](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.9.0)
15. [Release 0.9.1. 2025](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.9.1)
16. [Release 0.9.2. 2025](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.9.2)
17. [Release 0.9.3. 2025](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.9.3)
18. [Release 0.10.0. 2026](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.10.0)
19. [Release 0.10.1. 2026](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.10.1)
20. [Release 0.10.2. 2026](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/releases/tag/v0.10.2)
21. [Source](https://github.com/onthegomap/planetiler/tree/08dc1e679bbbefd05c3e5080f47a094ef763c034#planetiler)