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/{tilesetId}/{z}/{x}/{y}.{pbf}?key=YOUR_KEY
- Returns Mapbox Vector Tiles in
PBFformat. - 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 tilesets 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, immutablekeeps vector tiles cacheable for 7 days.Vary: Origin, Accept-Encodingkeeps cross-origin and compressed responses consistent.Access-Control-Expose-Headers: X-Cache-Statusmakes cache diagnostics visible in browser tools.- Use
X-Cache-Statusto confirm whether a response was a cacheHIT,MISS, or revalidated result. - Keep tile URLs stable and avoid adding extra query parameters beyond
?key=when you want higher cache reuse.
Last updated: April 14, 2026