Last year, a project called prettymaps was introduced on Hacker News. It allows users to generate a map of a specified location in PNG format using default styles. The project is mainly the work of Marcelo de Oliveira Rosa Prates and Christoph Rieke. The map data is collected from OpenStreetMap using the OSMnx library, which relies on NetworkX. NetworkX, created by Aric Hagberg and Jarrod Millman, is a Python library for handling complex networks. The rendering of the map is done by vsketch, a project developed by Antoine Beyeler. Overall, prettymaps offers a convenient way to generate visually appealing maps with minimal code.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction of prettymaps project | Improvement in generating customized maps | More advanced map customization options | Desire for personalized and visually appealing maps |
| Use of 3rd-party packages in prettymaps project | Efficiency in map generation | Increased reliance on 3rd-party packages for software development | Access to specialized functionalities and faster development process |
| Utilization of OpenStreetMap data with OSMnx library | Integration of open-source map data | Wider availability and usage of open-source map data | Access to free and constantly updated map data |
| Development of NetworkX library for complex networks | Enhancement of network-related functionalities | More efficient and comprehensive handling of complex networks | Need for analyzing and visualizing complex network structures |
| Rendering handled by vsketch project | Simplification of rendering process | Streamlined and automated map rendering process | Simplifying map creation and reducing manual effort |
| Installation of prerequisites for using prettymaps | Setting up necessary tools for map generation | Improved installation process and better compatibility with different systems | Ensuring smooth and hassle-free setup for users |
| Script for generating map renderings using prettymaps | Convenience in generating map renderings | Increased ease and flexibility in creating custom map renderings | Facilitating map creation for various purposes and preferences |
| Introduction of prettymaps Web UI | Accessibility of map generation without coding | More accessible and user-friendly map generation options | Enabling non-technical users to create customized maps |