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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Method 1: Using XYZ Tiles

The simplest way to add a basemap in QGIS is through the XYZ Tiles option. This method is available in recent versions of QGIS, including QGIS 3.34 LTR. To begin, navigate to the Browser panel in QGIS. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Browser panel.
2. Locate the “XYZ Tiles” section.
3. Double-click to expand it and view available basemap options.

One common option is OpenStreetMap, a community-driven project that offers detailed geographic information. To add this basemap to your workspace, simply drag and drop it into your map view.

Once added, you can zoom into any area of interest and start exploring the geographic features displayed on the map. The coverage of OpenStreetMap spans the globe, making it a versatile choice for various projects.

Adding Google Satellite Map

In addition to OpenStreetMap, you can also add Google Satellite Map as a basemap. Follow the same steps to drag and drop the Google Satellite layer into your workspace. This map provides a more realistic view of the Earth’s surface, resembling images taken from a drone.

By default, you can toggle between the OpenStreetMap and Google Satellite layers by checking or unchecking their boxes in the Layers panel. This allows for easy comparison of the two basemaps.

Using Global Terrain Layer

Another useful layer you can add is the Global Terrain Map. This can be particularly valuable for projects that require elevation data. To access this layer, simply untick the Google Satellite layer and allow the Global Terrain Map to load.

You can enhance the visualization of the terrain map by adjusting its properties. Navigate to the properties menu, select “Symbology,” and then choose “Single Band Pseudo Color.” This allows you to apply different color ramps that indicate variations in elevation.

Method 2: Using QuickMapServices Plugin

If you’re looking for more options beyond the basic XYZ tiles, the QuickMapServices plugin is your best bet. This plugin provides access to a wide range of basemaps from various providers. Here’s how to install and use it:

1. Go to the “Plugins” menu.
2. Select “Manage and Install Plugins.”
3. Search for “QuickMapServices” and click “Install.”

Once installed, you can access the plugin by navigating to the “Web” menu. Here, you’ll find the QuickMapServices option, which includes the standard OpenStreetMap layer as well as many other basemap choices.

Exploring Various Basemap Options

Using QuickMapServices, you can search for specific basemaps. For example, if you want to add Bing Maps, simply type “Bing” in the search bar, and you’ll see options like “Bing Maps Satellite Imagery.” Click the add button to include it in your workspace.

This method allows you to compare different basemaps easily. You can add multiple layers (like Bing Maps and Google Satellite) to see which one best fits your project’s needs. The quality and detail of these maps are generally high, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

Adding Other Providers

Beyond Bing and Google, QuickMapServices also allows you to access maps from other providers like S3, Waze, and Yandex. For instance, searching for “Waze” will let you add Waze maps, which are particularly useful for road navigation.

Similarly, you can search for “Yandex” to add Yandex Satellite Maps. These maps offer a raw view of the Earth’s surface, similar to Google and Bing satellite imagery.

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.

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 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.