Learn how to set up different kinds of basemaps in MapGeo Console.
Last updated 5/1/2020
Prerequisites
Access to MapGeo Console
Published layers in MapGeo Console
Process:
Basemaps are created by choosing a group of layers and ordering them in the MapGeo Console. A layer can be a MapGeoStudio Visualization, WMS, WMTS or a Google Maps layer. To configure a basemap, Edit a Dataset, and select Basemaps from the menu on the Maps tab.
When ordering the layers, the layer that will draw at the “bottom” of the basemap should be set first. In the example above, the snazzy_paper layer is an edited Google Road layer that contains water bodies and land features. This layer would obscure any other features, so it should draw first on the basemap. The us_viz_towns layer should include town boundaries, and will sit on top of the Google Road layer. Finally, the [themes_placeholder] controls where any themes will draw in relation to the basemap.
Once created, the order of the basemaps can be easily adjusted by dragging and dropping in the list on the Basemaps page. This list is shown in the Base Theme dropdown. The default basemap can be set by clicking the Default button.
Helpful Hints
Placing the [themes_placeholder] underneath other layers could cause the overlays to be obscured by other data.
Make sure the basemap includes a layer that extends beyond the bounds of your area of interest. This will prevent blank areas from displaying on the map.
Google Basemaps can be customized by adjusting the color scheme or excluding features or labels.
If creating a basemap using aerial imagery, be sure to adjust features so that they can be easily seen when displayed over dark areas. See recommendations in the CartoCSS Library.