Dataharvest 2025 - the European Investigative Journalism Conference

Tired of Google Maps' branding and tracking? In this session, we’ll explore how newsrooms can host their own map tiles using open-source tools such as Protomaps and OpenFreeMap. We’ll look at how to reduce costs, protect reader privacy, and gain full editorial control — alongside a hands-on workshop on customizing map styles with Maputnik. No prior knowledge is required for the workshop, though some experience working with maps will be a bonus, especially for the self-hosting part. The workshop takes place entirely in a browser. After this session, attendees will be familiar with alternatives to commercial map providers and know the foundations of map styling and self-hosting, empowering them to create maps that better serve their reporting and storytelling.