Leafmap is a Python package for interactive mapping and geospatial analysis with minimal coding in a Jupyter environment.
Leafmap addresses the need for accessible geospatial analysis tools outside proprietary cloud platforms. It enables users to work with vector and raster data interactively in Jupyter notebooks, Google Colab, JupyterLab, and marimo without requiring extensive coding. The tool combines several open-source libraries—folium and ipyleaflet for interactive map rendering, WhiteboxTools for analytical operations, and ipywidgets for interface design—into a unified environment where users can load data, visualize it on maps, and perform geospatial analysis through interactive tools and graphical interfaces.
Leafmap suits data scientists, researchers, and GIS professionals who work in Jupyter environments and need to explore geospatial datasets without access to Google Earth Engine or other proprietary platforms. It is particularly valuable for users who want to perform analysis through a graphical interface rather than writing code, though it also supports programmatic workflows for those who prefer them. The package integrates WhiteboxTools, which provides a large collection of analytical functions covering GIS analysis, hydrological analysis, LiDAR processing, and stream network analysis, making it suitable for diverse geospatial tasks.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with the project through community channels and documentation resources. The project maintains active documentation and tutorial content, indicating ongoing effort to support users. The availability across multiple distribution channels—PyPI and conda-forge—reflects a commitment to accessibility for different Python environments.
