Mapping options

Leaflet

A lightweight, minimal JavaScript mapping library for embedding simple interactive maps into any web page.

Mapbox (Mapbox GL JS)

A high-performance, vector-tile-based mapping platform for building visually rich, interactive maps with smooth zooming, styling, and animation.

Built around WebGL and vector tiles rather than traditional raster tiles.

Use when:

• You want high-quality cartographic styling and smooth, animated interactions
• You need fast rendering of large numbers of points, lines, or polygons
• You want client-side styling and interactivity driven by data attributes
• You are building a modern, polished user-facing map rather than a GIS tool

OpenLayers

A powerful GIS-grade mapping library with advanced vector, raster, projection, editing, and WFS/WMS capabilities.

Use when:

• You need heavy GIS functionality: editing, snapping, WFS-T, advanced projections.
• You want deep integration with GeoServer styling / SLDs / tiled WMS/WFS, vector tiles, etc.
• Your map is becoming a serious application, not just an embedded widget.

MapStore

A full geoportal framework (React-based) for building complete mapping applications with layer management, dashboards, saved maps, etc.