1. Maptionnaire Support
  2. Map features
  3. Create a map layer / use your own maps

WMS maps

What is a WMS?

WMS (=Web Map Service) is a geographic information server (GIS) database that contains different map layers. To use these types of maps, you need to connect to the server and choose the map layer or layers that you want to use.

Are there any requirements (e.g. CRS) for using WMTS maps in Maptionnaire?

The WMS maps should be in WGS84/EPSG: 4326 or 3857.

How to upload a WMS layer?

  1. Go to Materials. Click Map and choose WMS from the drop-down menu. 

    Screenshot 2025-02-11 at 4.24.47 PM.png

  2. Enter the WMS server URL in the window that opens. This should be the basic URL of the map server without any layers specified.

    If the WMS that you are using requires an API key, click the + symbol under URL Parameters. Write the parameter (e.g. access_token or api-key) in the first field, and the API key in the second one.

    two.png

  3. Choose the layer from the Layer section, and specify the server type under Server type (it's usually named in the WMS URL).

    The map should appear in the preview window (it may require you to zoom into it manually). If for some reason the map layer does not appear, try turning the Transparent tiles setting on. Do not adjust the other settings (e.g. tile format, zoom range – these fields are usually populated automatically when you connect to the WMS server).

  4. Give the layer a name in Public title.
  5. Click Create map/Save to finish.
  6. Go to the questionnaire and to Map and layout. Under Own basemaps, select the map. Set the default map view and preview.

I uploaded a WMS layer but can't get it to work. What's wrong? 

Some of the most common problems and how to fix them:

  • Check that the server URL is correct. It should not specify the specific map layer from the server that you want to use.
  • Check that the WMS is in or supports the coordinate system WGS84:4326.
  • Choose a map layer that you want to show. You can do this under Layers.
  • Try turning on the Transparent tiles setting.
  • Zoom in. Sometimes WMS servers only produce map tiles when you zoom in closer to the location on the map.
  • Check with the person(s) responsible for that WMS server that the server allows web-based platforms such as Maptionnaire to use its maps. What they should be looking at are CORS settings and specifically the 'Access-Allow-Control-Origin' setting, which should be set to "*".
  • Remember, you can always contact support@maptionnaire.com for help!
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