mcmap vs squaremap

mcmap creates isometric pixel-art maps from Minecraft save files. It reads saves from the standard folders on Linux, macOS and Windows, and produces a PNG image by default; an option divides maps into square image tiles. Rendering settings include circular or coordinate-bounded areas, dimension selection, shading, lighting, water and beacon toggles, and map direction. A JSON color file lets users customize block colors and rendering types. The renderer uses all computer threads and processes terrain in batches. Rendering a whole map at once may require 10+ GB of RAM, and a fragment-size option can manage batch size. Use is through a terminal or PowerShell, with an experimental GUI available for Windows. The v3.0.0 release specifies Minecraft 1.13+ support. The project is distributed under GPL-3.0, with precompiled binaries and source code available for free. Building it uses CMake and depends on zlib, PNG, fmt and spdlog. The project notes that merged batches can produce visible lines in oceans; changing fragment size or water rendering settings may help.

squaremap is a free Minecraft server plugin or mod that generates a live world map viewable in a web browser. Its vanilla-like, top-down 2D presentation is designed for navigation and supports live updates, dimension maps, and markers or waypoints. Player markers can show yaw rotation, health, and armor. The project lists Paper, Fabric, NeoForge, and Sponge support; Fabric additionally requires Fabric API. An internal web server is enabled by default and uses port 8080 by default, although a host may restrict available ports. For advanced arrangements such as SSL certificates, the documentation recommends an external web server. Integrations include ChunkyBorder, Heatmap, PlotSquared, Residence, and Towny, plus add-ons for banners, claims, death spots, mobs, signs, skins, vanish, and WorldGuard. Developers can use the API to draw markers, shapes, and icons on rendered maps. Downloads are directed through Modrinth, with development builds on Jenkins. squaremap uses the MIT License, while its Leaflet frontend uses the 2-clause BSD License.