How do I add Peak Map to my own website?

You can embed it by linking to the hosted version at anvaka.github.io/peak-map or fork the GitHub repository to customize the code. However, you'll need to set up your own MapBox API key and handle deployment, as the README lacks detailed integration guides.

Peak Map vs Leaflet for elevation visualization?

Peak Map is a specialized tool for ridge line charts using MapBox data, while Leaflet is a general-purpose mapping library. Peak Map offers out-of-the-box ridge line generation but less flexibility; Leaflet requires more coding but supports diverse visualizations and plugins.

Can I use Peak Map without a MapBox API key?

No, the tool relies entirely on MapBox's elevation API, so an access token is required for data fetching. You can sign up for a free tier on MapBox, but usage beyond limits may incur charges.

How to change the colors of the ridge lines in Peak Map?

Currently, the README doesn't specify customization options; you'd need to modify the JavaScript source code in createHeightMapRenderer.js to adjust colors, as the rendering is hardcoded in the canvas context.

Is Peak Map open source and how can I contribute?

Yes, it's open source on GitHub under anvaka/peak-map. You can fork the repo, submit pull requests, or report issues. However, the project has limited documentation, so contributions might require diving into the codebase directly.

What print services does Peak Map support besides mugs?

The README only mentions integration with Zazzle for mugs via a fly-out menu. For other products, you might need to manually export the visualization and use external print services, as no other integrations are documented.

Open-Awesome

Peak Map

MITJavaScript

Visualize elevation of any area on Earth as a ridgeline chart using MapBox elevation data.

Visit Website GitHub

643 stars52 forks0 contributors

What is Peak Map?

Peak Map is a web tool that creates ridge line charts (filled area charts) from elevation data for any geographic region on Earth. It uses MapBox GL for map interaction and fetches elevation data via MapBox's API to visualize terrain height in an intuitive, aesthetic format. The tool helps users analyze and appreciate topography by converting raw elevation data into engaging visual representations.

Target Audience

Geospatial enthusiasts, data visualization developers, cartographers, and anyone interested in terrain analysis or creating artistic maps from elevation data.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Peak Map for its simplicity in generating ridge line charts from real-world elevation data, its seamless integration with MapBox, and its ability to produce printable, shareable visualizations without complex setup.

Overview

Make a ridge line chart from any region on Earth

Use Cases

Best For

Creating ridge line charts for geographic terrain analysis
Visualizing elevation data for hiking or outdoor planning
Generating artistic maps from real-world topography
Teaching geospatial concepts with interactive charts
Integrating elevation visualization into web mapping projects
Producing printable terrain maps for custom merchandise

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring batch processing or automation of elevation data across multiple regions without manual interaction
Applications that need real-time, dynamic elevation updates or streaming data integration
Teams seeking a full-featured GIS platform with advanced spatial analysis and data export capabilities
Users who require extensive chart customization or support for visualization types beyond ridge lines

Pros & Cons

Pros

Interactive Map Selection

Uses MapBox GL for an intuitive interface where users can click and drag to select geographic areas, as demonstrated in the quick demo GIF, making region definition effortless.

Efficient Canvas Rendering

Renders ridge lines on a 2D canvas overlay, ensuring smooth performance with complex elevation data, based on the createHeightMapRenderer.js module in the source code.

Accurate Elevation Data

Integrates MapBox's elevation API to fetch precise height information for any location on Earth, providing reliable terrain visualization without manual data handling.

Printable Integration

Offers direct printing to physical items like mugs via services like Zazzle, as shown in the demo image, enabling easy sharing and merchandising of visualizations.

Cons

MapBox API Dependency

Requires a MapBox access token and may incur costs or usage limits, making it unsuitable for high-volume or budget-constrained applications without external data sources.

Limited Customization Options

Focused solely on ridge line charts with fixed rendering; users cannot easily modify chart styles, colors, or add other visual elements, as evidenced by the canvas-based implementation.

No Data Export Functionality

Generates only visual output without options to export raw elevation data or charts in formats like SVG or JSON, hindering data reuse and integration into other tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

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