CARTO basemap now requires an API key: which approach should we take?

[mahlernim]

Timeline Visualizer currently uses CARTO raster basemap tiles without an API key. CARTO has started placing an "API key required" notice on those tiles, so the notice can appear in maps and exported videos even though the tiles still load.

We are looking at several ways to resolve this:

• request and ship a shared CARTO project key;
• migrate to a vector or another open basemap provider;
• let users provide their own key; or
• consider another approach that keeps setup simple.

The main tradeoffs are reliability, licensing and attribution, key exposure in a client-side Android app, performance, APK size, and long-term maintenance.

If you have experience with CARTO's new key requirement or a suitable Android-friendly basemap alternative, we would appreciate your suggestions.

CARTO's explanation: https://carto.com/basemaps/apikey/

[mahlernim]

i have been issued an API key for this project and applied it. the app seems compliant to the ToS of CARTO, so I hope we can go this way.