# MapToPoster — Generate Minimalist Map Posters with Python

> A Python tool that transforms any city or region into a minimalist, print-ready map poster using OpenStreetMap data and matplotlib.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# MapToPoster — Generate Minimalist Map Posters with Python

## Quick Use
```bash
pip install maptoposter
maptoposter --city "Tokyo" --style minimal --output tokyo.png
```

## Introduction
MapToPoster is an open-source Python library that converts geographic data into stylized map posters. Using OpenStreetMap data via OSMnx, it renders streets, water features, and green spaces into clean, print-ready designs. Developers and designers use it to generate custom map art programmatically, with full control over colors, styles, and output formats.

## What MapToPoster Does
- Downloads OpenStreetMap data for any location worldwide
- Renders street networks, waterways, parks, and buildings
- Applies customizable color themes and typography
- Exports high-resolution PNG and PDF files for printing
- Supports bounding box or city name geocoding for area selection

## Architecture Overview
MapToPoster builds on OSMnx for geographic data retrieval and matplotlib for rendering. It queries the Overpass API for map features within a bounding box, then layers streets by type with configurable line weights and colors. The rendering pipeline produces vector-quality output suitable for large format printing.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via pip with Python 3.8 or later
- Specify locations by city name, coordinates, or bounding box
- Choose from built-in themes or define custom color palettes
- Set output resolution and paper size for print compatibility
- Use the Python API for batch generation of multiple cities

## Key Features
- Worldwide coverage through OpenStreetMap data
- Multiple built-in visual styles including minimal, dark, and watercolor
- Configurable layer visibility for streets, water, and greenery
- Vector-quality output at any resolution
- Programmatic API for generating map series

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Mapbox Studio** — Cloud-based map styling; MapToPoster is local and code-driven
- **Snazzy Maps** — Google Maps styling; MapToPoster uses open data and produces print art
- **prettymaps** — Similar concept with a different rendering approach; MapToPoster has more built-in styles
- **QGIS** — Full GIS suite; MapToPoster focuses specifically on poster-style output

## FAQ
**Q: Can I use any location in the world?**
A: Yes, anywhere covered by OpenStreetMap, which includes virtually all populated areas.

**Q: What output formats are supported?**
A: PNG, PDF, and SVG for both screen and print use.

**Q: Can I customize the colors and fonts?**
A: Yes. Pass a custom theme dictionary with colors for each map layer and font settings.

**Q: Is it suitable for commercial prints?**
A: The code is open source. Map data from OpenStreetMap requires attribution under ODbL.

## Sources
- https://github.com/originalankur/maptoposter

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-63fd3989
Author: Script Depot