MBTiles and vector tiles

MBTiles is a SQLite container commonly used to package map tiles for offline or portable use. The tiles can be raster images or, depending on workflow, vector-tile content.

Raster tiles

Raster tiles are pre-rendered pictures. They are fast and predictable but cannot recover source attributes or geometry hidden by the style.

Vector tiles

Vector tiles carry simplified/tiled vector geometry and attributes for client-side styling. They are excellent for responsive web basemaps and large cartographic layers.

They are still a delivery representation rather than the authoritative editable source database.

Offline field maps

Tile packages are useful for field work where connectivity is weak. Keep the editable observation layer separate so basemap refreshes do not affect collected data.

See Field GIS and LINZ Basemaps.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026