Map tiles are small, pre-rendered sections of a map that are used to display geographic information in web-based mapping applications. These tiles are the building blocks of interactive online maps, providing a fast and efficient way to present large-scale geographical data to users while ensuring smooth and responsive map interactions.

A typical map consists of numerous map tiles that cover different geographical regions and zoom levels. Each tile is a square or rectangular image that represents a portion of the map at a specific zoom level. These images are designed to seamlessly fit together when displayed on a web page or within a mapping application.

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Map tiles are generated in advance and stored on a server, making it possible to deliver map data quickly to users' devices. When a user interacts with a map, such as zooming in or panning, the application fetches the relevant map tiles and assembles them to display the requested view. This tile-based approach optimizes performance by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and rendered on the client side.

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Map tiles can contain various types of geographic information, including streets, landmarks, topography, and satellite imagery, depending on the map's purpose and design. The use of map tiles is a fundamental technique in modern web mapping, enabling users to explore and navigate the world with ease and efficiency.

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