The Surprising Origins of Map Tiles: It Wasn't Just Google

Web map tiles, the seemingly simple method of storing geospatial data in indexed squares for efficient map display, are a pivotal development in GIS history. While Google Maps gets much of the credit for popularizing them, the technology's origins are surprisingly murky. This article traces the history of map tiling, revealing that the concept existed long before Google, appearing in early systems like Roger Tomlinson's Canadian Geographic Information System (CGIS). Later, quadtrees and other data structures further refined the approach. The article concludes that the innovation wasn't a single invention but a culmination of research and development by numerous individuals and organizations, ultimately culminating in the ubiquitous experience we enjoy today.