MBTiles Vector (MVT tiles in SQLite)
Open BetaMBTiles Vector is the same single SQLite file, but it holds vector tiles instead of images: feature geometry plus attributes. Every layer of your order stays a separate named layer -- roads, buildings, water -- so you set the styling on your side and change it as often as you like without ordering a new export. This is today's norm for web and offline maps: MapLibre, Maputnik, TileServer-GL and QGIS all read the file. I build the pyramid over the chosen area, record the layer list and their fields in the metadata, and store the tiles compressed, so the file stays small.
Key Features
About MBTiles Vector Format
MBTiles Vector is the same single SQLite file as a regular MBTiles, but the tile table holds vector tiles instead of images: feature geometry together with attributes, compressed and split across zoom levels. Besides the name, bounds and zoom range, the metadata table records the layer list and their fields — that is how a reader learns what exactly can be styled in the file.
There is exactly one difference from the raster container, and it is decisive: the map inside is not drawn. Colours, line widths, which labels to show and from which zoom — all of that is set on your side and changed as often as you like, without ordering a new export. Every ordered layer stays a separate named layer, so features stay clickable and carry their properties.
I build the pyramid over the chosen area and record the range that was actually built. If you did not pick the depth yourself, I match it to the area and data density and say so in the response; a depth you picked is never touched — if it is beyond reach for that area I refuse honestly instead of handing over a truncated file. Vector tiles are built from the features themselves, so very large and very dense areas are closed for them: regular MBTiles, PNG or GeoJSON serve those.
What Program Opens MBTiles Vector Files
The following programs and applications can open, edit, and work with MBTiles Vector (MVT tiles in SQLite) (.mbtiles) files exported from OSM2CDR:
Format specifications
- Open standard
- 2D only
- Lossy compression
- Stores feature attributes
- Output: 1 file
- MBTiles SQLite container with vector tiles: every layer keeps its name and attributes, so you restyle the map yourself. Opens in MapLibre, Maputnik, TileServer-GL, QGIS.
Who Uses MBTiles Vector Maps
How to Export MBTiles Vector
How to Open After Export
- MapLibre GL or Mapbox GL JS — run a tile server over the file and add it as a vector source: the map appears in the browser and you describe the style yourself.
- Maputnik (free, runs in the browser) — build the style by hand: the editor reads the layer list from the file and offers it as a list.
- TileServer GL — serve the container as a ready service at an address like /{z}/{x}/{y}.pbf, together with generated TileJSON.
- QGIS (free) — add the file as a vector tile source and inspect features and their attributes in a table.
- DB Browser for SQLite — look inside: how many tiles were written and what is in metadata, including the layer list.
Popular maps in MBTiles Vector
Get MBTiles Vector (MVT tiles in SQLite) map exports
Download professional MBTiles Vector maps from OpenStreetMap. Instant generation, any area.