Map Tiles API

Our Maps Tiles API follows the standard format for Web Mercator map tile services. In most cases you’ll be using a library (such as Leaflet or OpenLayers) which will fill in most of these parameters for you, for example the library will calculate the z, x and y parameters automatically as you move the map. Other parameters, such as the map style or format, you will choose yourself.

The URL format for the Maps Tiles API is:

https://api.thunderforest.com/{style}/{z}/{x}/{y}{scale}.{format}?apikey={apikey}
style

The id for the map style, e.g. cycle or transport

z

The zoom level of the tile. Range from 0 to 22 inclusive.

x

The horizontal tile number.

y

The vertical tile number.

scale

(optional) The scale modifier, e.g. @2x. When omitted, a scale of 1 is used.

format

The image format, e.g. .png or .jpg90.

apikey

Your API Key.

Historic Tileserver Subdomains

Our a, b, and c tileserver subdomains are a historic feature that is no longer necessary. If you have an older configuration that uses these subdomains, see our subdomains documentation for how to upgrade.

Tile Numbers (z/x/y)

Our tile numbering follows the standard Web Mercator scheme, with 0,0 in the top left on each zoom level. You can read more about the tile numbering but most libraries calculate these for you.

Retina Tiles

The scale parameter allows you to request ‘retina’ or ‘hidpi’ map images. For example, setting the scale to @2x will return map tiles at double scale, but otherwise showing exactly the same features and labels. Some map libraries support automatic detection for retina screens, including Leaflet.