Add a raster tile layer

Learn how to add a raster tile layer to a map.

A raster tile layer, also known as an image tile layer, displays imagery such as satellite photography or hillshading. You can combine raster tile layers to enhance the display of a street basemap layer, position the layer on top of existing layers, or position it under existing layers. When positioned above other layers, you need to give the raster tile layer a level of transparency so that users can see through it to the basemap. This combined basemap layer technique is used to enhance overall visualization.

In this tutorial, you add a Hillshade raster tile layer, which is a basemap layer composed of jpeg images, on top of a street basemap layer.

Prerequisites

Steps

Create a new pen

To access location services, you need an API key or OAuth 2.0 access token. To learn how to create and scope your key, visit the Create an API key tutorial.

1. To get started, either complete the Display a map tutorial or use this pen.

Set the API key

1. Go to your dashboard to get an API key. The API key must be scoped to access the services used in this tutorial.

2. In CodePen, update apiKey to use your key.

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         const map = L.map("map", {
           minZoom: 2
         })
   
         map.setView([34.02, -118.805], 13);
   
         const apiKey = "YOUR_API_KEY";
   
         const basemapEnum = "ArcGIS:Streets";
   
         L.esri.Vector.vectorBasemapLayer(basemapEnum, {
           apiKey: apiKey
         }).addTo(map);
   

Add an image tile layer

Use the TiledMapLayer class to access and display data from the World Hillshade image tile service.

1. Access the hillshade layer with a TiledMapLayer and add it to your map.

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         L.esri.Vector.vectorBasemapLayer(basemapEnum, {
            apiKey: apiKey,
         }).addTo(map);
   
         L.esri.tiledMapLayer({
           url:"https://server.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/Elevation/World_Hillshade/MapServer",
           apiKey: apiKey,
   
         }).addTo(map);
   
       </script>
   

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Adjust the basemap

By default, the hillshade layer is added below the basemap layer. To visuallly combine hillshading with a basemap, you need to adjust the layer order and hillshade opacity so that both layers are visible.

1. Change the Z-index of the tilePane to display the hillshade layer on top of the basemap layer.

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         L.esri.tiledMapLayer({
           url:"https://server.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/Elevation/World_Hillshade/MapServer",
           apiKey: apiKey,
   
         }).addTo(map);
   
         map.getPane("tilePane").style.zIndex = 800;
   
       </script>
   

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2. Reduce the opacity of the hillshade layer so the basemap layer is visible.

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         L.esri.tiledMapLayer({
           url:"https://server.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/Elevation/World_Hillshade/MapServer",
           apiKey: apiKey,
   
           opacity:0.2
   
         }).addTo(map);
   
         map.getPane("tilePane").style.zIndex = 800;
   
       </script>
   

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Run the app

In CodePen, run your code to display the map.

Your map should display a semi-transparent hillshade layer overlaid over a basemap. You should see the hillshade layer combined with other layers, with labels, roads, buildings and water areas clearly visible over the top.

What's next?

Learn how to use additional ArcGIS location services in these tutorials:

Add a vector tile layer

Add a vector tile layer to a map.

Style a feature layer

Use data-driven styling to apply symbol colors and styles to feature layers.

Display a custom vector tile style

Add a styled vector basemap layer to a map.