1. Eddie Curran | Erin Woolbright
OpenLayers
Eddie Curran | Erin Woolbright

2. What is OpenLayers?
OpenLayers is an open-source Javascript library that allows for developers, professional or otherwise, to produce interactive web maps by providing data sources and an API.
This means that if you’re creating a web map and want to be able to alternate seamlessly from 2D to 3D, you can search OpenLayers and find a block of code that you can insert into your map that makes that transition happen.
OpenLayers is not necessarily a tile creator, however it does facilitate their use.
Find code for OpenLayers here

3. Functionality
OpenLayers is a versatile platform and has consistently been the go-to open- source library for web mapping.

4. Functionality
OpenLayers is a fluid technology for web mapping and can accomplish a variety of tasks. Some, but not limited to include: - Vector Layering: Can render data that as come from various different formats, such as GeoJSON, KML, GPX, GML, Mapbox vector tiles, etc… - Pulls tiles from OSM, Bing, MapBox, Stamen and any other XYZ source Easily and highly customizable (provided you know some code)

5. Examples
Custom Interactions
Color Manipulation
Draw Shapes

6. The ‘mash-up’
From what I’ve found, the primary mash-up between OpenLayers and another program/source/tool is QGIS.
You can also use the code to in programs such as Dreamweaver or other web construction/design applications.
You need an internet connection to use OpenLayers, preferably a high speed connection.

9. Documentation
OpenLayers has excellent documentation. The website offers various tutorials, an OpenLayers workshop, and links to additional reference material.
There is also a dedicated FAQ page as well as a link to Stack Overflow with instructions how to post a question regarding OpenLayers on the forum.

10. What I learned:
OpenLayers tends to be the most widely used open-source web mapping tool currently available. It’s been described as the most “mature” open-source client side web mapping tool.
OpenLayers has a wide range of functions, and it pays for it. In terms of space, roughly 1Mb of digital space*. On the other hand, Leaflet is steadily edging into OpenLayer’s territory as the default open-source web mapper.
It is not plug and play, so to speak.
(this is a whole digital text on just getting started with OpenLayers) *This data was based on OpenLayers2. The current version is OpenLayers3.