mapsbeginner⏱ 20 min setup
Mapbox GL JS
Beautiful vector maps. Custom styles, 3D terrain, generous free tier.
Plain language
What is it?
A powerful mapping library for building beautiful, interactive maps. Supports custom map styles, 3D terrain, smooth zoom, and satellite imagery.
Why use it at a hackathon?
When your map is central to your product and needs to look professional — Mapbox offers stunning visuals and a 50,000 free map loads/month tier.
Common use
Climate data overlays, food desert visualization, housing equity maps, emergency response routing, real-time crisis resource tracking.
Tags
mapsvector-tiles3dcustom-stylesfree-tier
At a glance
Setup time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: beginner
Skill: Beginner. Create a free account, get an API token, and follow the quickstart. React wrapper (`react-map-gl`) makes integration easy.
Impact context
Challenge domains
Climate & EnvironmentCivic TechFood & AgricultureCrisis & Disaster ResponseHousing & InfrastructureHealth & Wellbeing
SDGs
Climate ActionSustainable CitiesZero HungerGood HealthNo Poverty
Related components
Building with Mapbox GL JS?
Add it to your hackathon session workspace.