Understanding vector tiles

Portable maps and tiled data

Mapbox Vector Tiles divide vector features into small zoom-and-coordinate tiles for efficient web maps. A tile endpoint, source-layer name and display style are all required to turn the encoded features into a visible layer.

Features may be clipped or simplified at tile boundaries and zoom levels. The tiles are a presentation format rather than a complete editable source dataset.

How to verify the export

If the map is empty, confirm the HTTPS URL template, CORS permissions, source-layer name, bounds and supported zoom range.

Inspect several neighboring tiles and zoom levels before deciding that records are missing from the source service.