Visualize and test Mapbox GL JS map camera angles, pitch, and bearing. A free, browser-based utility for developers to fine-tune 3D map views and fly-to animations.
AI Generation Prompt
Technical Specification: 3D Map Camera Angle Visualizer
Overview
This single-file utility provides a real-time, interactive environment for web developers to visualize and test pitch and bearing configurations for Mapbox GL JS. It eliminates the need for trial-and-error in live code by offering a responsive slider-based dashboard alongside an interactive 3D map window.
Core Features
- Real-time Map Synchronization: A side-by-side layout (or stack on mobile) where controls instantly update the map view using
map.jumpTo()andmap.easeTo(). - Precision Controls: Range inputs for:
Pitch(0° to 85°)Bearing(0° to 360°)Zoom(1° to 22°)
- Code Export: A "Copy to Clipboard" button that formats the current view into a clean JSON object compatible with Mapbox flyTo() animation methods.
- Preset Views: One-click buttons to instantly snap the camera to common angles (e.g., "Top-down," "45° Isometric," "Street Level").
- Responsive Layout: Adapts from a side-by-side desktop view to a vertical stacked layout on mobile devices.
UI/UX Design
- Aesthetic: Modern, clean, "SaaS-light" design. Use white backgrounds (#ffffff), soft gray borders (#e5e7eb), and crisp sans-serif typography (Inter or system-ui).
- Palette:
- Primary Accent: Blue (#2563eb) for buttons and active slider handles.
- Neutral Tones: Slate-gray (#64748b) for secondary text and inputs.
- Backgrounds: White for the main content area; Light-gray (#f8fafc) for the sidebar.
- Interactions:
- Smooth ease-in transitions when snapping to presets.
- Subtle hover effects on buttons.
- Clean, high-contrast focus states for accessibility.
Technical Implementation Constraints
- Single-File Architecture: All CSS and JavaScript must be embedded within a single
.htmlfile. - Sandbox Compatibility:
- NO localStorage, sessionStorage, or cookies. Use global JS variables to track current state.
- NO alert/prompt popups. Use a custom UI-based "Copied!" toast notification.
- Use
<script>tags to loadmapbox-gl.jsandmapbox-gl.cssfrom the official CDN.
- Responsive Design: Use CSS Grid or Flexbox to stack the controls on top of the map on screens narrower than 768px.
- Safety: All external documentation links must include
target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer".
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Files being used
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using this application.
How do I use this Mapbox pitch and bearing tester?
Simply adjust the sliders or input numeric values to modify the map's current view. The map will respond in real-time, displaying the current pitch (tilt) and bearing (rotation) values, which you can then copy for use in your map.flyTo() or map.easeTo() functions within your own source code. We provide the exact JSON structure required by the Mapbox GL JS API, allowing you to seamlessly transition from visualization to production code without manual calculation or tedious guess-and-check workflows.
Can I save my camera positions using this tool?
Due to the nature of our sandboxed, single-file architecture, this application does not use localStorage, cookies, or any persistent browser storage to save your settings. Every session is unique and resets on page reload, ensuring maximum privacy and compliance with restricted iframe environments. To save your work, simply copy the generated JSON output and save it in your project's configuration files or local development environment for quick access during your development cycle.
Is this tool free to use for commercial projects?
Yes, this utility is completely free to use for both personal and commercial mapping projects. There are no subscriptions, hidden fees, or account registration requirements needed to access the full functionality of the camera angle tester. We focus on providing high-quality, efficient developer tools that solve specific engineering problems. Feel free to use the output generated by this application directly in your commercial web applications without any attribution or licensing concerns.
Does this tool require an API key to work?
This specific implementation utilizes a demonstration token to visualize camera movements, so you do not strictly need your own API key to test angles during the development phase. However, for any production-ready application using Mapbox, you will eventually need to provide your own valid Mapbox Access Token. The tool is designed to help you generate the logic, while the final integration into your own website or dashboard will require your specific Mapbox credentials. It serves as a visual playground to perfect your 3D map user interface before hardcoding parameters.
