What is a basemap in QGIS?

A base map in QGIS is a map layer that provides context for other map layers in a project. A base map typically includes features such as roads, rivers, and land-use patterns, and it provides a visual reference that allows users to orient themselves and understand the geographic context of the data they are working with.

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Base maps are often used in combination with other map layers, such as thematic data layers or point data layers, to provide additional information and insight into a particular location or area. For example, a base map might show the streets and buildings in a city, while a thematic data layer might show the locations of restaurants or parks.

QGIS allows users to add a wide variety of base maps to their projects, including maps from popular online providers such as Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and Bing Maps. Users can also create their own custom base maps by importing data from various sources, such as shapefiles, CSV files, or WMS services.

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Adding predefined global Imagery basemaps to QGIS

Here are the steps to add Google Maps Satellite imagery as a basemap in QIGS

1. Open QGIS and create a new project.
2. In the Browser panel, click on the “XYZ Tiles” button.
3. In the XYZ Tiles window, click on the “New Connection” button.
4. In the “New XYZ Connection” window, enter the following:
   • Name: Google Maps Satellite Imagery
   URl : https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=y&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}
5. Click “OK” to save the connection.
6. In the XYZ Tiles window, select “Google Maps Satellite Imagery” from the list of connections.
7. Click “Add” to add the “Google Maps Satellite Imagery” basemap to your project.
8. The basemap will appear in the Layers panel. You can adjust the opacity and style of the basemap as needed.

Here are the steps to add Bing imagery as a basemap in QIGS

• In the Browser panel, click on the “XYZ Tiles” button.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, click on the “New Connection” button.
• In the “New XYZ Connection” window, enter the following:
  • Name: Bing Maps Satellite Imagery
  URL : https://t0.tiles.virtualearth.net/tiles/a{q}.jpeg?g=685&mkt=en-us&n=z
• Click “OK” to save the connection.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, select “Bing Maps Satellite Imagery” from the list of connections.
• Click “Add” to add the “Bing Maps Satellite Imagery” basemap to your project.

The basemap will appear in the Layers panel. You can adjust the opacity and style of the basemap as needed.

Here are the steps to add ESRI imagery as a basemap in QIGS

• In the Browser panel, click on the “XYZ Tiles” button.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, click on the “New Connection” button.
• In the “New XYZ Connection” window, enter the following:
  • Name: ESRI World Imagery
  URL : https://services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/World_Imagery/MapServer/tile/{z}/{y}/{x}
• Click “OK” to save the connection.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, select “ESRI World Imagery” from the list of connections.
• Click “Add” to add the “ESRI World Imagery” basemap to your project.

The basemap will appear in the Layers panel. You can adjust the opacity and style of the basemap as needed.

Adding predefined global Topography basemaps to QGIS

Here are the steps to add OpenTopp as a basemap in QIGS

• In the Browser panel, click on the “XYZ Tiles” button.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, click on the “New Connection” button.
• In the “New XYZ Connection” window, enter the following:
  • Name: OpenTopo
  URL : https://tile.opentopomap.org/{z}/{x}/{y}.png
• Click “OK” to save the connection.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, select “OpenTopo” from the list of connections.
• Click “Add” to add the “OpenTopo” basemap to your project.

The basemap will appear in the Layers panel. You can adjust the opacity and style of the basemap as needed.

Here are the the steps to add Mapzen Global Terrian as a basemap in QIGS

• In the Browser panel, click on the “XYZ Tiles” button.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, click on the “New Connection” button.
• In the “New XYZ Connection” window, enter the following:
  • Name: Mapzen Global Terrain
  URL : https://s3.amazonaws.com/elevation-tiles-prod/terrarium/{z}/{x}/{y}.png
• Click “OK” to save the connection.
• In the XYZ Tiles window, select “Mapzen Global Terrrain” from the list of connections.
• Click “Add” to add the “Mapzen Global Terrain” basemap to your project.

The basemap will appear in the Layers panel. You can adjust the opacity and style of the basemap as needed.

Other basemap URL’s

Stamen Toner: https://stamen-tiles.a.ssl.fastly.net/toner/{z}/{x}/{y}.png

Stamen Watercolor: https://stamen-tiles.a.ssl.fastly.net/watercolor/{z}/{x}/{y}.jpg

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

QGIS Basemap Plugins

QuickMapServices: This plugin provides access to a wide range of basemaps from different providers, including OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Bing Maps, and many others. It is easy to use and provides a simple interface for adding basemaps to your project.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for installing the QuickMapServices plugin in QGIS:

1. Open QGIS and go to the “Plugins” menu.
2. Click on “Manage and Install Plugins…” to open the Plugin Manager window.
3. In the search bar, type “QuickMapServices” and press enter.
4. The “QuickMapServices” plugin should appear in the search results. Click on it to select it.
5. Click on the “Install Plugin” button to start the installation process.
6. Once the installation is complete, close the Plugin Manager window.
7. To use the QuickMapServices plugin, go to the “Web” menu and select “QuickMapServices”.
8. In the QuickMapServices window, you can select the basemap provider you want to use, such as OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, or Bing Maps.
9. Once you have selected a basemap provider, click on the “Add” button to add the basemap to your project.
10. The basemap should now appear in the Layers panel. You can reorder the layers by dragging and dropping them.

Note that the QuickMapServices plugin requires an internet connection to access the basemaps. Also, make sure to check the terms of use for each basemap provider before using the basemaps in your project.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for installing the Openlayers plugin in QGIS:

1. Open QGIS: Start your QGIS application.
2. Access Plugin Manager: Go to the menu bar, click on Plugins, and then select Manage and Install Plugins…. This opens the Plugin Manager window.
3. Enable Access to Experimental plugins: Go to the plugin settings and tick the box to show experimental plugins
4. Search for OpenLayers Plugin: In the Plugin Manager, use the search bar to search for “OpenLayers Plugin”.
5. Install the Plugin: Find the OpenLayers Plugin in the search results, select it, and then click on the Install Plugin button. Wait for the installation to complete.
6. Close the Plugin Manager: Once the installation is successful, close the Plugin Manager.
7. Add Basemaps: To add basemaps, go to the Web menu, and you should now see OpenLayers Plugin listed there. Hover over it, and a submenu will appear with a list of basemap providers (like Google, Bing, OpenStreetMap).
8. Select a Basemap: Choose your desired basemap from the list. Clicking on it will add the basemap to your current QGIS project.
9. Adjust and Use the Basemap: You can now see the basemap in your Layers panel. Adjust its position in the layer stack or modify its properties as needed for your project.