Unlock the Power of Mapping with React-Simple-Maps

What is React-Simple-Maps?

React-simple-maps is a lightweight library designed specifically for creating SVG maps in React applications. It boasts an easy-to-learn API, flexibility, and a tiny bundle size, making it an ideal choice for simple mapping needs. Under the hood, it relies on D3 packages, including d3-geo, d3-selection, and topojson-client.

Creating SVG Maps with React-Simple-Maps

To get started, you’ll need to install react-simple-maps using npm:

npm install react-simple-maps

Once installed, you can import and use the ComposableMap, Geography, and Geographies components to create a basic SVG map:

import { ComposableMap, Geography, Geographies } from 'eact-simple-maps';

const MyMap = () => {
  return (
    <ComposableMap>
      <Geographies>
        {/* Your geographies data */}
      </Geographies>
    </ComposableMap>
  );
};

GeoJSON and TopoJSON: The Building Blocks of Mapping

Before diving into react-simple-maps, it’s essential to understand GeoJSON and TopoJSON, the formats used to store geographic data. While both formats have their strengths and weaknesses, TopoJSON offers a significant advantage in terms of file size, making it a popular choice for web-based applications.

Adding a Spherical Line Around an SVG Map

React-simple-maps provides a Sphere component for adding a spherical path around the map. This component accepts various props, allowing you to customize its appearance:

import { Sphere } from 'eact-simple-maps';

const MyMap = () => {
  return (
    <ComposableMap>
      <Sphere fill="#fff" stroke="#666" strokeWidth={0.5} />
      {/* Your map content */}
    </ComposableMap>
  );
};

Adding Graticule to an SVG Map

Graticule, a network of intersecting latitudes and longitudes, can be added to the map using the Graticule component. This feature provides a useful reference point for users:

import { Graticule } from 'eact-simple-maps';

const MyMap = () => {
  return (
    <ComposableMap>
      <Graticule stroke="#ccc" />
      {/* Your map content */}
    </ComposableMap>
  );
};

Creating Lines and Markers on an SVG Map

React-simple-maps offers a built-in feature for creating lines and markers on the map. The Line component connects two or more coordinates, while the Marker component allows you to add custom markers:

import { Line, Marker } from 'eact-simple-maps';

const MyMap = () => {
  return (
    <ComposableMap>
      <Line from={[0, 0]} to={[10, 10]} stroke="#666" />
      <Marker coordinates={[5, 5]}>
        {/* Your marker content */}
      </Marker>
      {/* Your map content */}
    </ComposableMap>
  );
};

Creating Annotations on an SVG Map

Annotations can be added to the map using the Annotations component. This feature enables you to provide additional context to users:

import { Annotations } from 'eact-simple-maps';

const MyMap = () => {
  return (
    <ComposableMap>
      <Annotations>
        {/* Your annotation content */}
      </Annotations>
      {/* Your map content */}
    </ComposableMap>
  );
};

Bundle Size and Dependencies

Despite relying on several D3 packages, react-simple-maps boasts a minified and gzipped bundle size of just 34.8 kB. While the library may not be actively maintained, its simplicity and utility make it a great choice for basic mapping needs.

Get started with react-simple-maps today! Explore the library’s features and start creating stunning maps today!