Introduction to basemap layers
A map is a container for layers. You use a map together with a map view to display layers of geographic data in 2D. Most applications contain a basemap layer to display geographic data with streets or satellite imagery, and the data is typically provided by the basemap layer service.
You can use the basemap layer service in your application to:
- Display different types of geographic data of the world for a map.
- Display default vector tile basemap styles such as streets navigation, light gray canvas, and OSM.
- Display custom basemap styles with your own colors, glyphs, and fonts.
- Display default image tile (raster) basemap layers for satellite imagery and hillshade.
How to access the basemap layer service
The data format for ArcGIS basemap layers is based on the Mapbox vector tile specification. To access vector basemap layers, you use the ol-mapbox-style
library.
- Reference the OpenLayers CSS, JS, and
ol-mapbox-style
libraries. - Select a basemap style enumeration.
- Set the style URL and your API key.
- Load and apply the basemap style to a map using
olms
.
Example
Display a basemap layer
This example loads and displays the ArcGIS:
vector tile style in the map. To see all of the basemap style enumerations, go to Basemap layer service in the Mapping APIs and location services guide.
To learn more, see the Display a map and Change the basemap layer tutorials.