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Vector Tiles API

Reference for the Mappinest vector tiles endpoint, accepted parameters, pricing, and cache behavior for PBF delivery.

Vector tile endpoint

The Vector Tiles API serves vector tiles from hosted vector tilesets. This endpoint returns vector tiles using the standard XYZ tile pattern.

GET
https://api.mappinest.com/tiles/{datasetId}/{z}/{x}/{y}.{pbf}?key=YOUR_KEY
Required parameterTypeDescription
datasetId
string
Unique identifier for the uploaded dataset, typically in the form username.dataset unless the dataset is global.
z
integer
Specifies the tile zoom level using the standard XYZ tile scheme.
x / y
integer
Specifies the tile column (x) and row (y) coordinates in the standard XYZ tile scheme.
format
string
Response format for vector tiles. Accepted value: pbf.
key
string
API key passed as the ?key= query parameter used to authorize the tile request.
  • Returns Mapbox Vector Tiles in PBF format.
  • Ideal for MapLibre GL, Mapbox GL JS, and other vector-tile-compatible clients.
  • Pair this with a style or add the source and layers manually in your map client.

Protected datasets require a Mappinest Key. Pass the same `?key=` query parameter used throughout the docs, and inspect the `X-Cache-Status` response header when you want to confirm cache hits.

Vector Tiles API pricing

  • Billed by requests.
  • See rates and request tiers on the pricing page.

Usage of the Vector Tiles API is measured in tile requests. Free-tier limits and overage pricing are listed on the pricing page.

Caching and performance

Vector tile responses are served with cache-friendly headers so repeated requests stay fast across browsers and edge caches.

  • Cache-Control: public, max-age=604800, immutable keeps vector tiles cacheable for 7 days.
  • Vary: Origin, Accept-Encoding keeps cross-origin and compressed responses consistent.
  • Access-Control-Expose-Headers: X-Cache-Status makes cache diagnostics visible in browser tools.
  • Use X-Cache-Status to confirm whether a response was a cache HIT, MISS, or revalidated result.
  • Keep tile URLs stable and avoid adding extra query parameters beyond ?key= when you want higher cache reuse.

Last updated: March 13, 2026

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