Geospatial Web Portal Case Study
Mapspace
Turning Technical Debt into a Scalable Geospatial Platform – From Legacy Constraints to a High-Performance Engine for Enterprise-Grade 2D/3D Visualization
Client profile
Field Group integrates software, sensors, and autonomous technologies to optimize operations in the infrastructure, construction, environmental, and public sectors. Their mission: transform complex field data into actionable insights through platforms like Mapspace, a professional-grade geospatial web portal.
Challenge
Mapspace was built to empower enterprise users with data-driven decisions in infrastructure, environment, and public sectors. But what started as a promising geospatial tool became increasingly fragile — buried under years of technical debt, outdated architecture, and mounting performance limitations.
As customer expectations accelerated, the system couldn’t keep up.
The platform urgently needed:
- A full rebuild, not incremental fixes — to restore long-term velocity
- A tech stack capable of powering 2D/3D visualizations and real-time rendering at global scale
- A shift to agile delivery with clear progress tracking and iteration cycles
- Strategic technical guidance, not just development support — to align the product with its long-term growth path
Behind the scenes, the reality was clear:
- System stability was compromised by aging infrastructure
- Rendering was slow, and the user experience degraded under real-world data loads
- A growing feature backlog and lack of prioritization eroded development efficiency
- No agile rhythm meant slow iteration, unclear direction, and reactive decision-making
- Core architecture couldn’t support a scaling user base or increasing data complexity
The risk wasn’t technical. It was existential. Mapspace had two options: evolve structurally — or risk fading into irrelevance.
Our Strategic Approach
We entered the project with a clear philosophy: don’t modernize symptoms — restructure the foundation.
Our proposition combined technical clarity, agile execution, and architectural strategy:
- Analyzed and re-prioritized components for scalability and long-term relevance
- Introduced structured bi-weekly sprints, retros, and demos — ensuring fast progress with zero ambiguity
- Provided technology leadership, not just dev labor — including recommendations on stack modernization, architecture decisions, and visualization engines
- Embedded a delivery rhythm that scaled with both technical complexity and organizational velocity
We didn’t just write code. We helped the client rethink the product — structurally and strategically.
Execution: Frontline Visualization, Enterprise-Grade Architecture
We didn’t just upgrade Mapspace - we rebuilt it from the ground up using a battle-tested stack designed for performance, scale, and enterprise reliability. Every component was selected to handle real-world data volume, user load, and precision-critical use cases.
Java for Robust, High-Performance Backend Logic
We used Java as the foundation of the backend due to its unmatched combination of speed, scalability, and enterprise-grade stability. Its strong type system and JVM portability ensured a codebase built to last — with seamless integration into secure, regulated environments.
Interactive 2D and 3D Spatial Views
The frontend was engineered for performance using OpenLayers and Three.js, allowing users to interact with high-volume geospatial layers in both 2D and 3D. This created a responsive, map-driven UI capable of rendering complex visual structures without lag or degradation.
Cesium for Real-Time, Globe-Scale 3D Rendering
For high-precision 3D terrain interaction and global context, we implemented Cesium — a proven engine for military-grade visualization. Users can now navigate earth-scale data environments in real time, with seamless terrain transitions and high-resolution fidelity.
GDAL to Automate Geospatial Data Processing
GDAL was used to automate ingestion, transformation, and export of various geospatial formats — streamlining backend operations. This drastically reduced manual handling and ensured spatial data was always formatted, aligned, and ready for rendering.
Level of Detail (LOD) Tiling for Performance
To maintain responsiveness at every zoom level, we implemented LOD tiling — dynamically adjusting map detail based on user interaction. This ensured lightning-fast rendering, even with multi-gigabyte datasets, and created a fluid experience across desktop and field devices.
Mapspace Tech Stack
Mapspace was rebuilt on a foundation engineered for enterprise-grade performance. The backend runs on Java, delivering the scalability, stability, and processing power needed to support mission-critical geospatial workflows.
GDAL automates the transformation and ingestion of diverse spatial data formats, streamlining data operations and reducing friction at scale.
On the frontend, we combined OpenLayers for high-speed 2D rendering with Three.js for responsive 3D interaction. Cesium powers globe-scale terrain visualization, enabling real-time navigation of massive datasets.
To ensure fluid performance across all zoom levels, we implemented LOD (Level of Detail) tiling, optimizing responsiveness without compromising detail. This stack wasn’t assembled – it was engineered with purpose, to win in real-world conditions.
Results:
The rebuild of Mapspace delivered more than just technical improvements — it established a modern, modular, and scalable foundation ready for enterprise expansion.
- The legacy codebase was fully replaced with a clean, maintainable architecture, eliminating blockers and simplifying future development
- Rendering speed and UX performance were significantly improved through a purpose-built visualization stack
- The system now handles large-scale spatial datasets and concurrent enterprise users without loss of performance
- Development became predictable, agile, and business-driven, with measurable iteration cycles and clearer product direction
- The client gained not just a working system, but strategic technical clarity — shifting from dependency to full control.
This transformation didn’t just solve problems – it repositioned Mapspace as a credible leader in its category.
With its new foundation, the platform is now equipped to:
- Onboard large enterprise clients with complex, high-volume geospatial demands
- Compete head-to-head on both speed and UX with top-tier professional tools
- Scale functionality without creating rework or systemic risk
- Operate as a platform-ready ecosystem, flexible for integrations, modules, and future sector expansion
This wasn’t a repair job. It was a redefinition. A shift from fragile infrastructure to a system built to dominate its market – structurally, strategically, and commercially.
Let’s build your
product together!
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Speak directly with Radek Lejsza, COO of Codeflyers
What our clients says about outcome of the collaboration?
We sent this question directly to our partners
Working with Codeflyers has been a game-changer for us! Their innovative approach and unparalleled technical expertise have propelled our project to new heights. We’re thrilled with the progress and their proactive attitude.
Christoffer Apneseth
CTO at Field
Our collaboration with Codeflyers is a perfect match! Their team is not only competent but also incredibly dedicated. The application is growing stronger, all thanks to their commitment and attention to detail.
Even Reitan
Strategy & Business Development Manager at Telenor
Scope of Services
Our partnership with TipTip encompassed a wide range of services:
Discovery Workshop
Working with Codeflyers has been a game-changer for us! Their innovative approach and unparalleled technical expertise have propelled our project to new heights. We’re thrilled with the progress and their proactive attitude.
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UX / UI Design
Working with Codeflyers has been a game-changer for us! Their innovative approach and unparalleled technical expertise have propelled our project to new heights. We’re thrilled with the progress and their proactive attitude.
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Mobile Appplication Development
Working with Codeflyers has been a game-changer for us! Their innovative approach and unparalleled technical expertise have propelled our project to new heights. We’re thrilled with the progress and their proactive attitude.
Learn more >>