2012-07-05

The new MapBox Static API is now out of private beta! With full access to custom styles for MapBox Streets, custom layers from TileMill, and POI markers powered by the Maki icon set, you can get beautiful custom maps in your application without the overhead of JavaScript or a native tiling API.



MapBox Static API Overview

What is the MapBox Static API? The static API is the simplest way to show a map on your website or mobile application. Each static map is a unique image based on a simple URL containing a map ID, geographic coordinates, image dimensions, and some optional parameters. Adding custom maps to your website is as easy as writing the HTML <img> tag.

Custom maps from TileMill. Any custom map you create in TileMill and upload to your MapBox account is automatically integrated into the MapBox Static API. Highlight specific locations, navigate with thumbnails, paint a broad overview, and more using your custom maps.

Custom styles for MapBox Streets. Control the design of MapBox Streets and integrate it directly into our Static Maps API. All of your color settings, presets, and label options are preserved when you request a map through the Static API.

Beautiful POI markers. You can add dozens of Maki icons at three different sizes to your map to mark important locations or points of interest. Customize the colors of the Maki icons to fit your look or provide your own custom markers if you need full control.

Easy to use

We’ve made extra efforts to make sure the MapBox Static API is simple to use and understand. The URL scheme of each static map is designed to be easy on the eyes for reading and writing into your code by hand:


/v3/examples.map-vyofok3q/pin-m-monument+48C(-77.04,38.89)/-77.04,38.89,13/400x300.png

You’ll master controlling a map’s location and size in no time. From there customizing the colors, icons, and sizes of POI markers is a breeze.

Stand alone markers

Since the private beta we’ve added a new stand alone markers feature allowing you to customize and display POI markers on their own. This new standalone marker API powers our Markers feature and you’re welcome to leverage this endpoint in your own mapping applications.

/v3/marker/pin-m-park+482.png

Get started today

The MapBox Static API is included with every MapBox plan so get started today. As always, if you have any questions or need help using the API, don’t hesitate to open a discussion on support.mapbox.com.

Static API Reference

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