What is MIME type "application/vnd.mapbox-vector-tile"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/vnd.mapbox-vector-tile is a MIME type for a binary file format that holds Mapbox Vector Tiles.
It stores geographic data like roads, boundaries, and landmarks in a compact format. This data is used to render maps that can be styled dynamically on the client side.
Using a vector approach means the map remains sharp at any zoom level and uses less bandwidth than traditional image tiles.
Files of this type often use the extension MVT.

Main use case: Delivering interactive, scalable maps on websites and mobile apps.
Additional uses: Offline map rendering and dynamic styling in mapping software.
Key fact: The vector format allows for quick updates and smooth transitions when panning or zooming.

For more detailed information, visit the Mapbox Vector Tiles documentation.

Associated file extensions

.mvt

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.mapbox-vector-tile

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.mapbox-vector-tile">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.mapbox-vector-tile');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.mvt

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.