XYZ tiles
A web mapping tiling scheme where map images are requested as /{z}/{x}/{y}.png (or similar).
Category: Mapping
Definition (expanded)
XYZ tiles are the standard for slippy-map basemaps and overlays. Many providers serve tiles via URLs that include {z}, {x}, and {y}. Attribution and usage limits depend on the provider.
Related terms
Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)A common projected CRS used by web maps; it distorts area and shape but is fast and convenient for tiles.Overlay (map overlay)An extra layer drawn on top of a basemap, such as tiles, GeoJSON, or a raster like GeoTIFF.Vector tilesA tiling format that delivers vector features per tile instead of raster images.