Use your vector data

This page belongs to a tutorial that explains how to use our Vector data editor to create custom vector features (points, lines, polygons) and how to add these features to a map.

1. Create a vector data file 👉 2. Add and edit features 👉 3. Use the dataset

Show data on map

When your vector data file is ready, it’s time to show the features on your map. You can add them either programmatically, or in our no-code map editor.

Add vector features programmatically

If you’re a developer, you’ll probably prefer using the MapTiler SDK JS to add a vector data source and style the features. We have basic code examples for you to copy and modify as needed:

For more inspiration, see all related examples.

Add vector features in a visual editor

For a no-code approach, use our visual map editor Customize. Here’s the steps:

  1. Go to page Maps in your Maptiler account and click on New map.
  2. Select a map you’d like to use and click Customize. This takes you to the map editor.
  3. In the left menu panel, go to Data sources and add a new map data source using the plus button. From a list of all available data sources, select your vector file (it will be listed as “geojson” type).
  4. The data source is now associated with the map, but not actually used yet. Go to Layers and use the plus button to add a new layer. You’ll get a list of data sources to choose from, including the one you added in the previous step. Select the layer in the source and add it to the map.
  5. Style your features by adjusting color, opacity, outline, or any other visual properties. When done, save and publish your map. Publishing means that the map is ready to be shared with the world, but it’s not actually visible to anyone unless you take further steps to use the map on a website or in your app.

If you’d like to learn more about how to style vector maps and visualize your vector features, check out our map design tutorials, especially series Custom data visualization.

Export data as GeoJSON

To use your vector dataset locally, you can export it from the editor:

  1. Save your dataset to make it available for download.
  2. Open the hamburger menu ≡ in the top right corner of the editor, and select Download dataset.

The downloaded GeoJSON file is ready for use in desktop GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS.