David Straub
Vector Maps in Gramps Web
The purpose of Grampshub has always been to make it simple for anyone to use Gramps Web without needing to worry about hosting, backups, or server maintenance. But beyond convenience, I also hoped that Grampshub could give something back — that the subscription fees could help fund improvements to Gramps Web itself, supporting the open source project that makes all of this possible.
This idea is now slowly starting to become reality. In Gramps Web’s July release v25.7, funds from Grampshub have helped support the development of a significant new feature for everyone using Gramps Web: vector maps.
So, what are vector maps, and why does this matter? Unlike traditional “raster” maps, which are made up of static image tiles at different zoom levels, vector maps use data — lines, shapes, and labels — that the browser draws on the fly. This means maps are crisp at any resolution, no matter how far you zoom in or out. They load faster, pan more smoothly, and can even display extra details like 3D buildings in cities. The result is a map experience that feels modern, fluid, and beautifully clear on any screen.
Until now, Gramps Web used raster tiles, and the default tiles did not even have “retina” support, meaning they looked blurry on high-resolution displays. Grampshub subscribers could access higher-resolution tiles thanks to a subscription to MapTiler cloud. With the change to vector maps, powered by the MapLibre open source library, both Grampshub subscribers and users of self-hosted Gramps Web instances will now benefit from the same high-quality, high-resolution maps.
This upgrade also shows the power of open source collaboration. OpenFreeMap (providing the base map based on OpenStreetMap) and OpenHistoricalMap both share their data freely and depend on community support. If you find the new maps useful, I encourage you to consider supporting these projects too. They make an enormous difference.
Thanks to everyone who supports Grampshub and, in turn, the development of Gramps Web. This update shows how shared contributions can strengthen the project for all, and there’s more to come.