BlueMap vs mcview

BlueMap reads Minecraft Java Edition world files and turns them into 3D surface maps that people can view in a browser. It can run as a Spigot/Paper or Sponge plugin, a Fabric or Forge mod, or a standalone command-line tool without a Minecraft server. The CLI documentation also covers Docker use. Plugin and mod installations render asynchronously relative to the Minecraft server thread, and the render-thread count is configurable. After the first conversion, BlueMap tracks world changes and processes only changed chunks. Maps can be stored in files or an SQL server. Configuration files can add or remove maps, with settings for display names and web app ordering. An API lets third-party plugins, mods, resource packs, and external tools integrate features. BlueMap is free: the listed plan is free. Server plugin and mod use requires Java 25 or later; the standalone CLI documentation lists Java 21 or later. BlueMap does not support Bedrock worlds. Its integrated webserver has no SSL or built-in authentication; the FAQ suggests using an external webserver for those functions.

mcview is a top-down 2D map viewer for Minecraft Java and Bedrock. It is listed for iOS, macOS, and Windows, with Windows releases and links to the Microsoft Store, plus Mac releases and an Apple App Store link. Release notes state support for Minecraft 1.21.10 and mention a renewed world list along the left side of the window. The project is GPLv3 licensed and described as free; the plan is free. Its README acknowledges JUCE, Google Material Design Icons, colormap-shaders, je2be-core, libminecraft-file, and Android SDK sources, but does not describe third-party service integrations. Release tags are marked as signed with the committer’s verified signature. The project pages reviewed do not state a support policy or contact. The repository’s Security and quality section provides no security or compliance details in the project description.