Managing map services of the background map

You may use map services to dynamically or statically embed background maps.

Adding user-defined map services for background maps

1.  From the Edit menu, choose User preferences.

2.  In the navigator, click User interface > Background map.

3.  Click the symbol.

The Create map service window opens.

4.  Make the desired changes.

Element

Description

Name

Unique map service name

URL template

URL template for the map service, including prefix for its service type:

  • tile(s):// for map services that provide maps as tiles in various zoom levels (tile service).

Notes

The prefix tile(s):// replaces the beginning of the base URL http(s):// here. You can also use WMTS services that support the Well-known scale set GoogleMapsCompatible.

  • http(s):// for Web Map Services (WMS)

You need to work with placeholders in the URL template, which will then be automatically replaced with up-to-date values when the maps are downloaded.

The following placeholders are required in the URL template of Map Tile Services:

  • %TX%, %TY% for the tile index
  • %TZ% for the zoom index
  • %TQUAD% for the quadkey if used by the map tile service.

Note

Quadkeys are used for the economic indexing of tiles of various zoom levels in databases. Microsoft Bing Maps, e.g., uses quadkeys.

  • %SUBDOMAIN% if required for alternative subdomains of the map service. If you want to use this placeholder, the Subdomain list box must contain entries.

The following placeholders are required in the URL template of Web Map Services (WMS):

  • %WIDTH% and %HEIGHT% for the image size in pixels
  • %BBOX% for the window coordinates or alternatively
  • %LEFT%, %TOP%, %RIGHT% and %BOTTOM% for the window coordinates.

Notes:

When using alternative placeholders, please note that in Visum %TOP% is used for yMin and %BOTTOM% is used for yMax.

We recommend using the placeholder %BBOX% for the window coordinates.

Subdomains

Comma-separated list of subdomains available

Note

Some map services provide alternative URLs that are addressed by a URL prefix or suffix. Use cases for this are e.g. parallel URL download or omission of a URL.

Confirming license terms and conditions of use

Accept the terms of use and license before using a map service.

5.  Confirm with OK.

The map service is added.

Editing user-defined map services for background maps

1.  From the Edit menu, choose User preferences.

2.  In the navigator, click User interface > Background map.

3.  In the list of map services, mark the one you want to edit.

4.  Click the symbol.

5.  Make the desired settings.

6.  Confirm with OK.

Duplicating user-defined map services for background maps

1.  From the Edit menu, choose User preferences.

2.  In the navigator, click User interface > Background map.

3.  In the list of map services, mark the one you want to duplicate.

4.  Click the symbol.

The map service is inserted a second time at the end of the list with the addition "Copy".

Deleting user-defined map services for background maps

1.  From the Edit menu, choose User preferences.

2.  In the navigator, click User interface > Background map.

3.  In the list of map services, mark the one you want to delete.

4.  Click the symbol.

5.  Confirm with OK.

The map service is deleted.