Computerized systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with generating virtual map tiles according to an ad hoc specification are described. In one embodiment, a method includes defining, in response to receiving a request through an interface of a map server, virtual map tiles according to an ad hoc specification. The ad hoc specification indicates characteristics of the virtual map tiles including at least a format and map content of the virtual map tiles. The method includes computing the virtual map tiles from at least the map content specified by the ad hoc specification and according to the format indicated by the ad hoc specification. Computing the virtual map tiles includes computing the virtual map tiles in response to receiving the request. The method includes transmitting the virtual map tiles to a client device to cause the viewable region of the electronic map to be displayed on the client device.