Getting started with Leaflet.js

Leaflet is a modern, lightweight open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. It pairs a small core with a rich plugin ecosystem—ideal for prototypes and production WebGIS sites alike.

Why Leaflet?

Compared with heavier GIS stacks, Leaflet keeps bundle size and learning curve manageable while still supporting tile layers, vector overlays, popups, and extensions. Pull in plugins for measurement, drawing, or heatmaps without committing to a single data model.

Your first map

Include Leaflet’s CSS and JS, then initialize with L.map and add a basemap via L.tileLayer. Give the map container an explicit height or the map may collapse to zero.

Next, try L.geoJSON for vector data or L.marker for points. Keep data loading separate from presentation—fetch from APIs or static files and centralize style and interaction logic for easier testing.