OpenLayers is a JavaScript web mapping library and WebGIS framework used for rendering interactive 2D maps and geospatial data on web pages. It serves as a geospatial data visualization tool and an open geospatial standard client for consuming standardized geographic data formats and web map services.
The project provides a framework for building complex geographic information systems in the browser. It supports the development of custom map applications and the integration of geographic information system capabilities to handle spatial data and coordinates.
The library covers broad capabilities in geographic information visualization, including the rendering of map tiles, vector data, and markers. It enables interactive web mapping through features such as zooming, panning, and the use of various geographic data overlays.