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Add an XYZ basemap

Use a generic tiled map service​

When adding a basemap, choose Add XYZ basemap to connect to a generic tiled map service.

A tiled map (or "slippy map" in OpenStreetMap terminology) is displayed by requesting multiple smaller images or vector graphics from the service and seamlessly joining them together. Choose this if the map service's URL contains {x}, {y} and {z}.

1 Enter URL​

This step is required. Enter the URL of the XYZ map service you want to use. Alloy accepts a variety of URL formats, such as:

https://example.com/service/{z}/{x}/{y}
https://example.com/service?z={z}&x={x}&y={y}
https://example.com/service/{x}/{y}/{z}.png

If Alloy fails to load the service, try using https: instead of http: and vice versa.

Select Next to continue.

The first step of the wizard

2 Details​

This step is required. Fill in the following fields as needed:

  • Name * - enter a distinct name that clearly identifies the basemap.

  • Colour - use the colour picker to set the initial colour of the map area while the map is being drawn (white by default).

  • High DPI tiles - if enabled, Alloy will request the map service to send high resolution tiles (512 x 512) if available, instead of standard resolution (256 x 256).
  • Watermark - enter text to be superimposed in the bottom-right corner of the basemap. To comply with the map service's licensing, it may be necessary to credit the provider here.

Select Create to finish.

The second step of the wizard

Example​

The XYZ basemap illustrated below was created using the following URL:

https://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m&hl=en&x={x}&y={y}&z={z}

An example XYZ basemap loaded in Alloy
Note

The availability of this map service may change over time!