# tippecanoe

> Builds vector tilesets from collections of GeoJSON, FlatGeobuf, or CSV features, like these.

**Wikidata**: [Q122904834](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122904834)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tippecanoe

## Summary
Tippecanoe is a software tool designed to build vector tilesets from large collections of geospatial data, specifically GeoJSON, FlatGeobuf, or CSV features. Originally developed by Mapbox and currently maintained by Felt Maps, it is used to generate output formats like MBTiles and PMTiles for map rendering.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Software, version, edition, or translation.
- **Primary Function:** Builds vector tilesets from collections of GeoJSON, FlatGeobuf, or CSV features.
- **Original Developer:** Mapbox (an American geospatial technology company founded in 2010).
- **Current Developer:** Felt Maps.
- **Input Formats:** GeoJSON, FlatGeobuf, Comma-separated values (CSV).
- **Output Formats:** MBTiles, PMTiles.
- **Latest Version:** 2.32.1 (released September 21, 2023).
- **Repository:** Available at `github.com/felt/tippecanoe` (current) and `github.com/mapbox/tippecanoe` (historical).

## FAQs
### Q: What file formats does Tippecanoe support for input?
A: Tippecanoe builds vector tilesets from collections of GeoJSON, FlatGeobuf, or CSV features.

### Q: What output formats does Tippecanoe produce?
A: The software produces vector tilesets in the MBTiles and PMTiles formats.

### Q: Who maintains Tippecanoe?
A: Tippecanoe was originally created by Mapbox. It is currently developed by Felt Maps, who released version 2.0 in January 2023.

## Why It Matters
Tippecanoe is a critical utility in the geospatial software toolchain, specifically addressing the challenge of converting raw geographic feature data into efficient vector tiles. By transforming formats like GeoJSON and CSV into MBTiles or PMTiles, it enables developers and cartographers to render large datasets quickly on web maps without compromising performance. Its capacity to handle distinct formats like FlatGeobuf and export to modern standards like PMTiles makes it a versatile tool for modern mapping applications. The tool's stewardship has shifted from its originator, the major geospatial firm Mapbox, to the contemporary mapping company Felt Maps, indicating its continued relevance and evolution in the industry. This transition included a significant update to version 2.0, billed as "Faster, easier, more powerful map tile creation," ensuring the tool remains competitive for current development needs.

## Notable For
- **Versatile Data Handling:** Capable of processing GeoJSON, FlatGeobuf, and CSV inputs within a single tool.
- **Modern Output Support:** Generates PMTiles, a modern single-file format for map tiles, alongside the standard MBTiles.
- **Industry Pedigree:** Originally created by Mapbox, a leading US geospatial company, ensuring high adoption and reliability standards.
- **Active Development:** Maintained by Felt Maps with recent updates as of September 2023 (version 2.32.1).

## Body

### Functionality and Specifications
Tippecanoe operates as a command-line tool (non-tangible executable component) that converts geographic feature data into vector tilesets. It allows users to ingest large collections of features and optimize them for display on digital maps.

**Supported Input Formats:**
- GeoJSON
- FlatGeobuf
- Comma-separated values (CSV)

**Product/Material Produced:**
- MBTiles
- PMTiles

### Development History
The software was originally developed by **Mapbox**, an American geospatial technology company founded in 2010 in Washington, D.C. Mapbox is known for producing tools for map designers and application developers in the cartography and software development industries.

Development and maintenance have been associated with **Felt Maps** in recent iterations. The tool underwent a significant milestone with the release of **Tippecanoe 2.0**, described in documentation titled "Faster, easier, more powerful map tile creation with Tippecanoe 2.0" in January 2023.

### Version History
The software has seen iterative updates across its different maintainers:
- **Version 1.3.6:** Associated with the Mapbox repository.
- **Version 2.32.1:** Released on September 21, 2023, via the Felt Maps repository.

### Availability
The source code and releases are hosted on GitHub:
- `github.com/mapbox/tippecanoe` (Historical/Legacy)
- `github.com/felt/tippecanoe` (Current/Active)

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/felt/tippecanoe)
2. [Source](https://github.com/felt/tippecanoe/releases)
3. [Source](https://github.com/mapbox/tippecanoe)