Why I probably won’t replace leaflet with MapLibre GL entirely on the blog

I had hoped to completely replace Leaflet interactive maps with MapLibre GL 3D maps on the blog. However, upon further research I realized this is not as easy as I thought it would be, as you can not easily use server-styled ArcGIS FeatureLayers on MapLibre GL. The core limitation comes down to WebGL architecture vs. Canvas/SVG architecture:

  • Leaflet & OpenLayers use standard HTML5 Canvas/SVG paths. Translating an Esri JSON stroke or fill color into a canvas path command is mathematically straightforward.
  • MapLibre GL JS relies on strict, compiled WebGL shaders and a data-driven styling specification. You cannot easily map an abstract vector layer to a shader without translating it into complex, multi-layered MapLibre JSON style expressions or client-side vector tile parsing.
Map: Alma Pond
Map: Dobbins Memorial State Forest
Map: Little John Wildlife Management Area
Map: Otter Lake
Map: South Hill State Forest (Oneida 23)
Map: Summer Hill State Forest
Map: West Parishville State Forest
SVGZ Graphic: albany-snow-depth
SVGZ Graphic: college-rate
SVGZ Graphic: december-holidays
SVGZ Graphic: ht2025
SVGZ Graphic: lt2025
SVGZ Graphic: Places Named Bethlehem
SVGZ Graphic: Towns with Most Similiar Land Cover to the Town of Bethlehem
Terrain Map: Happy World Milk Day!
Photo: Straight away to Woodsman Pond Road Bridge
Photo: Burned Hardwood Section Reminds Me Of Allegheny Woods
Photo: Sun
Photo: Mud season has come early
Photo: Cheif Watonagh
Photo: Replacement Bridge
Photo: Camping on Forest Road 13
Photo: After The Fire
Photo: Happy June!
Photo: Edge of Tower

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