mapstyle

Mapstyle refers to the visual design and presentation of geographic data on a map, including color schemes, typography, symbolization, labeling, and layout. A map style determines how data layers are drawn and perceived by viewers, and is separate from the underlying geographic data.

In practice, a map style comprises basemap appearance, layer definitions, and rule-based styling. Choices of palettes and line weights aim to convey information clearly while maintaining legibility, and may include scale-dependent rules so features change appearance at different zoom levels. The style also governs labeling, iconography, and interaction cues in digital maps.

Styles are implemented with various formatting and specifications, such as the Mapbox Style Specification (JSON), Mapnik styles, CartoCSS, and GIS style files (qml, sld). Web mapping libraries and platforms (Mapbox, Leaflet, OpenLayers, Google Maps, ArcGIS Online) load and render maps using these style definitions, often enabling data-driven styling to reflect attributes.

A typical workflow involves selecting data to display, choosing a basemap, creating visual rules, testing at multiple scales, and optimizing for performance and accessibility (contrast, legibility, colorblind-friendly palettes). Branding considerations may guide color choices and typography.

Map styles enable different use cases, from navigational basemaps to thematic data visualization for dashboards and print products. They are widely used in web maps, mobile apps, and GIS analysis, and can be designed for consistency across platforms or tailored to a specific project.

See also: cartography, geographic information system, geovisualization.