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Basemaps
Switch between different background maps to provide context for your data.
What are Basemaps?
Basemaps are the background imagery or maps that provide geographic context for your data layers.
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Purpose:
- Provide geographic reference
- Show terrain and features
- Aid navigation and orientation
- Enhance visual presentation
Opening Basemap Panel
Location: Left sidebar or basemap gallery
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How:
- Click the Basemap icon
- Gallery of basemap thumbnails appears
- Click any thumbnail to switch
Available Basemaps
InsightMaps includes global and state-specific basemaps.
Available Basemap Options
- OpenStreetMap - Community-maintained global street map
- Topographic - Detailed terrain and features
- Satellite/Orthophoto - Aerial imagery
- Hillshade - Terrain shading for elevation visualization
- Streets - Road network and labels
- Light Gray - Neutral background for data visualization
Basemap availability depends on your admin's configuration. Contact your administrator to add additional basemaps.
Switching Basemaps
How:
- Open Basemap gallery
- Click desired basemap thumbnail
- Map updates immediately
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What Stays the Same:
- Your data layers
- Layer visibility settings
- Map extent/zoom
What Changes:
- Background imagery/map
- Reference features
Choosing the Right Basemap
| Task | Recommended Basemap |
|---|---|
| Property inspection | Satellite |
| Address finding | Streets |
| Terrain analysis | Topographic |
| Data presentation | Light Gray |
| Printing | Streets or Light Gray |
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Tips
Performance:
- Streets basemap loads fastest
- Satellite imagery takes longer
- Zoom level affects load time
Visual:
- Satellite: Use with transparent data layers
- Topographic: Best for elevation-related data
- Gray: Best for thematic/colored data
Printing:
- Streets or Light Gray work best
- Satellite may print dark and use more ink
- Test print preview first
Troubleshooting
"Basemap won't load"
Check internet connection and try a different basemap.
"Basemap is blurry"
Zoom out slightly or switch to higher-resolution basemap.
"Can't see my data"
Check layer visibility and adjust data layer colors or opacity.
Summary
Basemaps provide context for your data:
Common Options:
- Satellite: Aerial imagery
- Topographic: Contours and terrain
- Streets: Road networks
- Light Gray: Minimal, professional
Quick Guide:
- Field work → Satellite
- Navigation → Streets
- Terrain → Topographic
- Presentations → Light Gray
Remember: Basemap is just the background - your data is what matters.