We have recently launched the first iteration of the Connectivity Altas, a project that centers around mapping infrastructures on a global scale. From roads and rivers to internet and electricity lines, these intricate and vast networks exist everywhere we are. Considering that infrastructure is a broad classification, mapping out the different systems provides a unique insight into how these systems are dispersed onto the globe. Since this was our first significant dive into Mapbox GL, We wanted to share some notes about our experience.

The problem

During our initial work on the project, we encountered a number of challenges associated with our workflow. I originally designed the map in Mapbox Studio importing each layer into Studio as a separate data source and styling them using Catro CSS. This workflow worked fine for a while, but overtime might have led to hundreds of sources and styles pushing the limit of our Mapbox account and our organizational skills.

The solution

We began to consider alternative workflows. Ultimately, we decided to move the project into Mapbox GL for various reasons.

• We like vector tiles (super crisp)
• We like rendering styles in the browser (it makes for faster styling / instant results)
• Better organization, we used a jekyll collection to add styles into a master JSON
• CartoCSS allows for more precise styling as well as other features that came in handy.

What we learned

Vector tile platorms (like GL) are the future of maps on the web. There are some limitations right now, but we’re looking forward to using GL for other projects. For example, we had to write our own tooltip functionality to expose the meta inforamtion in each layer, but we know the Mapbox GL folks are cooking up some code to help with that in future releases.

A collaborative effort

All of the data on the Connectivity Atlas is open and available for reuse. The intention is for this to be a collaborative project where you can help by sharing and suggesting data to add. This way we can produce a map of profound inter-connectedness as well as an oddly beautiful web of global infrastructure.