Client-Side Geospatial Visualization for Tourism: Supporting a Leaflet-Based Web App

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of a lightweight, entirely client-side web mapping tool tailored for users of short-term rental platforms. By leveraging Leaflet.js, OpenStreetMap data, and custom GeoJSON layers, the application enables location-aware experiences without relying on server-side infrastructure. The approach demonstrates a scalable, replicable architecture for smart tourism applications that non-developers can deploy. The application features custom markers, multimedia popups, interactive tools (search, measurement, drawing), and contextual menus for emergency contacts and promotions. The map centers on the apartment location, offering a personalized, location-aware digital guide for short-term visitors. Initial deployment and user feedback demonstrate the system’s usability, efficiency, and potential for improving local orientation and decision-making. While the current version requires developer intervention for updates, future improvements will focus on automating data input via a CSV-based metadata structure or a graphical user interface (GUI). This will enable property owners to manage their content independently, paving the way for a scalable, no-code geospatial solution for small-scale hospitality providers. The project highlights the potential of open-source web GIS tools in democratizing innovative tourism technology. Technically, the project demonstrates how an entirely client-side web mapping tool can deliver personalized, spatially anchored experiences without any backend infrastructure, using open-source technologies such as Leaflet and OpenStreetMap. This client-side architecture exemplifies a lightweight, no-backend web GIS solution that can be deployed in data-scarce environments or by users without programming knowledge.