Basemaps#

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Basemaps are background maps. They are often very practical since they are easy to use, allow easy orientation on the map canvas and are diverse.

Note

No interaction with the basemaps is possible. They are only “pictures” in the background!

Standard QGIS Basemaps#

You can always add the standard OpenStreetMap as a basemap to your map canvas.

There are two ways to add the OpenStreetMap as a basemap.

Option 1: Find in the Browser panel XYZ Tiles. Open the dropdown by clicking on it and select OpenStreetMap or another basemap.

Option 2: Layer -> Add Layer -> Add XYZ layer... -> Select the OpenStreetMap or another basemap.

Add standard OpenStreetMap as Basemap

Add Google and Bing Basemaps#

To add additional basemaps without using plugins you have to configure XYZ Tiles. In the Browser Panel, right-click on XYZ Tiles -> New Connection.

Name = The name of the new basemap.

URL = You can use any of the URLs in the table below.

Name

Info

URL

OpenTopoMap

Opensource topographic map based on OSM and SRTM

https://tile.opentopomap.org/{z}/{x}/{y}.png

Google Terrain

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=t&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

Google Hybrid

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=y&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

Google Satellite

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=s&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

Google Road

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=m&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

Google Roads only

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=h&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

Google alternative Road map

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=r&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

Bing Aerial

http://ecn.t3.tiles.virtualearth.net/tiles/a{q}.jpeg?g=1

Advantages of using basemaps from XYZ Tiles are:

  • Load faster

  • Support reprojection

  • Support printing

  • Supported by online applications like QField

Basemaps from QuickMapServices Plugin#

The QuickMapServices Plugin allows to access a wide range of basemaps.

Note

There can be problems when printing some basemaps from the QuickMapServices!

Web -> QuickMapServices -> select provider e.g. NASA -> select basemap

Functionality of QuickMapServices Plugin

Configuration of QuickMapServices#

After installing the plugin (Plugin Wiki) you need to configure the plugin to access all basemaps.

Web -> QuickMapServices -> Settings -> Use the horizontal arrows to navigate to More Services -> Get Contributed Pack