Performance Testing on Vector vs. Raster Map Tiles—Comparative Study on Load Metrics

Abstract

Recent developments in web map applications have widely affected how background maps are rendered. Raster tiles are currently considered as a regular solution, while the use of vector tiles is becoming more widespread. This article describes an experiment to test both raster and vector tile methods. The concept behind raster tiles is based on pre-generating an original dataset including a customized symbology and style. All tiles are generated according to a standardized scheme. This method has a few disadvantages: if any change in the dataset is required, the entire tile-generating process must be redone. Vector tiles manipulate vector objects. Only vector geometry is stored on the server, while symbology, rendering, and defining zoom levels run on the client-side. This method simplifies changing symbology or topology. Based on eight pilot studies, performance testing on loading time, data size, and the number of requests were performed. The observed results provide a comprehensive comparison according to specific interactions. More data, but only one or two tiles, were downloaded for vector tiles in zoom and move interactions, while 40 tiles were downloaded for raster tiles for the same interactions. Generally, the WebP format downloaded about three times fewer data than Portable Network Graphics (PNG).

Evaluating the Performance of Three Popular Web Mapping Libraries: A Case Study Using Argentina’s Life Quality Index

“…This would enable low-end smartphones access to the maps. However, raster tiles are known for requiring more network bandwidth than vector tiles [18]. With respect to the server software, there are many mature and tested alternatives for serving raster tiles, either pre-rendered or rendered on demand [26][27][28].…”

“…Ref. [18] compared the performance of raster and vector tiles using Mapbox GL JS and hosted in different servers. The testing was semi-automatic, as it involved a user performing the same pan and zoom operations over a map.…”

“…In the experiments, the authors observed that vector tiles had a better loading time, but, on maps with only a few zoom levels, raster tiles appear to be better. The most valuable contribution of [18] is a deep study of server load patterns on different server technologies (Mapbox Studio, TileServer PHP, TileServer GL, and plain files) when using raster and vector tiles.…”

“…Nowadays, as the advantages of vector tiles [18] are slowly making them more widespread, developers have a hard time figuring out what library to use given their requirements. This is particularly important in scenarios with heterogeneous devices, including mobile devices with slow WebGL implementations and personal computers with fast GPUs.…”

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“…The volume of published information increased continuously, and it was not possible to display information in groups of thematically selected point characters. It was necessary to aggregate points into clusters which automatically allocated information into a single, thematically visualized point symbol which related spatially to a municipality with extended powers [23]. The numeric indicator described the number of reports for a given area.…”