LearningMapnik

Mapnik can be used in a variety of ways. The most widely used options are using XML config files, using the Python bindings or using the API directly in C++.

General Concepts

• MapnikCoreConcepts
• IntroductionToGIS -- a brief intro to the world of mapping systems

Getting started

Mapnik is written in C++, but many users use its bindings to higher-level languages, including Python or Javascript. If you've got an application that wraps Mapnik entirely, you might only need to concern yourself with the XML stylesheets that describe Mapnik's map styles.

To get first results, choose your weapon: XML, Python, C++, node.js, Ruby, Java (last two are less complete)

• Getting started using XML
• Getting started using Python
• node.js bindings
• Ruby bindings
• Java bindings

Further Resources:

• Mapnik API
• Notes and Caveats
• MapnikTutorials
• ExampleCode

How to Style your Maps

• SymbologySupport
• MapDesign -- use Mapnik to design better looking maps!

How to combine Map styles and Layers

• See the MapnikTutorials
• XML Mapfile details XMLConfigReference

How to read in data

• PluginArchitecture

How to use the Mapnik Python Bindings

• See the python api docs here
• Check out the MapnikTutorials and the references at ExampleCode
• Study applications like Cascadenik or Nik2img at http://mapnik-utils.googlecode.com/

Advanced Topics

• MapnikRenderers -- Render with AGG or Cairo
• OutputFormats -- Which format to use based on speed, quality, and rendering tradeoffs.
• LabelingSupport -- Discover the intricacies of label placement.

Generating Contours - Using Mapnik with GDAL to build contours of the world.

ManagingLargeXmlFiles -- Do things once and only once using XML entities.

Hooking up Mapnik to PostGIS

MapnikReferences -- Various other resources related to Mapnik and Mapping