mbgl

mbgl is the C++ rendering engine at the core of Mapbox GL Native, the native platform implementation of Mapbox’s map rendering framework. It provides the low-level functionality required to render interactive vector-tile based maps using the Mapbox Style Specification. mbgl is designed to be embedded in mobile and desktop applications, offering high-performance rendering and smooth user interactions.

The library handles the full rendering pipeline, including tile data handling, style evaluation, symbol placement, multi-layer rendering, lighting and shading, text layout, and 3D features such as extrusions. It supports a range of data sources, primarily vector tiles, and can combine them with raster sources as needed. mbgl relies on a graphics backend (historically OpenGL and OpenGL ES, with platform-specific adaptations) to deliver hardware-accelerated rendering across supported platforms.

mbgl is part of the Mapbox GL ecosystem and serves as the native counterpart to the Mapbox GL JS rendering engine. It exposes APIs for map creation, camera control, event handling, and interaction with style sheets, sources, and layers. The engine emphasizes a data-driven approach to styling and rendering, enabling dynamic updates to map appearance without rebuilding the scene.

Platforms supported include iOS, Android, and desktop environments through respective native SDKs and builds. mbgl is released as open-source software under a permissive license, and its development focuses on performance, stability, and compatibility with the Mapbox Style Specification. It remains a foundational component for Mapbox’s native map experiences.