Preface

Making maps used to require an extensive knowledge of cartography, expensive software, and technical know-how. Today, there are numerous tools available, many of which are free, that have simplified the map-making process. This book is about using one such library, Leaflet.js.

Leaflet.js is a JavaScript library that although small, is packed with almost every feature you could need. If a feature is not available in the core library, it may be available as one of the many plugins that have become available. The largest map-making software vendor, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), has even released a plugin for Leaflet.js. If you are interested in making maps or in data visualization, Leaflet.js is the library to learn.

Whether you are looking to build simple maps or advanced mapping applications, this book will build on your JavaScript knowledge to help you reach your goal. This book was designed to be accessible to individuals who are new to map making and also to those who may know maps but are just learning to code.