Vector layers
Vector layers contain individual geometries. They are useful for planning data, boundaries, search areas, routes, tracks and imported project information.
Practice
Maps & Profiles
Build map profiles with offline maps, layers, raster overlays and map styles.
Terms
Separate maps, vector layers and raster overlays clearly
ArxSilex MapTools uses these terms deliberately. They make it clear whether a file is used as a base map, editable geometry, image overlay or elevation data source.
| Term | Short definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Maps | Base maps used as the main working view. | OpenStreetMap, OpenAndroMaps, offline .map, MBTiles as a base map |
| Vector layers | Additional object, line or polygon data above the map. The content consists of points, lines or areas and can often be displayed or evaluated individually. | GPX, KML, GeoJSON, Shapes, KML polygons, GeoJSON areas, GPX tracks as overlays |
| Raster overlays | Georeferenced image or tile data above the map. They are placed as a finished image surface and are not interpreted as individual objects. | GeoTIFF, MBTiles, image maps, aerial imagery, scanned maps, georeferenced plans |
| Elevation data / terrain | Data sources for elevation values and terrain analysis. They are not a visible map in the narrow sense, but provide height information. | HGT, DEM GeoTIFF, ASC, DTED |
| Map style | Rendering rules for vector maps. The style defines colors, symbols, paths, POIs, contour lines and other map elements. | OpenAndroMaps render theme, Elevate Theme |
| POI data | Search and display data for places and points of interest. | OpenAndroMaps .poi, custom POI files |
Raster overlays
Raster overlays are finished image surfaces above the map. They are useful for aerial imagery, historical maps, scans or special map views. Opacity is often adjusted so the base map remains visible below.
Show or use
Maps, vector layers and raster overlays can be shown on the map. Elevation data is usually used by tools: point elevation, elevation profile, hillshade, contour lines and viewrange.
Display
Maps, slots and display
Map selection is designed for quick field use: important sources, layers and profiles can be prepared and switched directly.
Map slots
Online maps, offline maps, raster overlays, elevation sources and thematic map profiles can be organized clearly.
Colors and styles
Markers, lines, routes, bearings, areas and viewsheds use color field, hue slider, RGB values, hex code, preview and favorites. Default styles for lines, points and areas can be adjusted centrally.
Workflow
Suggested Flow
Use these steps to combine maps, data and tools for the task.
- Choose base mapSelect online map, Mapsforge, MBTiles or GeoPackage for the task.
- Add themeImport and activate a compatible Mapsforge render theme as ZIP.
- Control layersEnable raster overlays, POI and terrain only where needed.
- Save profileSave map, layers and theme as a reusable profile.
Display
Color selection and favorites
Colors for markers, lines, routes, bearings, areas and ViewRange can be selected with a color field, hue control, RGB values and Hex code. The dialog previews the current and the selected color. Favorites are intentionally simple: global object colors plus dedicated favorites for areas and ViewRange.
Maintenance
Update and repair WMS and WMTS services
Service catalogues change. MapTools can read capabilities again, show differences and repair unambiguous references in a controlled way.
HTTPS or local XML
Capabilities can be read from the service or a local XML file. The XML contains the catalogue, not map imagery for offline use.
Change comparison
Added, removed and changed layers and affected map presets are shown before changes are applied.
Repair and retest
Unambiguous references can be repaired. Presets whose content changed lose their old test state and must be tested again.
Safe cache and FeatureInfo
Public catalogues honour HTTP cache metadata. Private responses are not persisted; HTML returned by FeatureInfo is not rendered as active web content.
Provider rules still apply
A successful request does not prove free use or caching rights. Licence, registration, quotas and attribution are determined by the service operator.
Online maps
Understand XYZ, OSGeo TMS, WMTS and WMS
MapTools manages custom HTTPS map sources as a basemap or overlay. The four protocols can look similar on the map but differ in setup, tiling, CRS and query capabilities.
XYZ
Direct raster tiles
A URL template containing z, x and y retrieves finished tiles. The origin is at the top left; typical worldwide sources use Web Mercator.
OSGeo TMS
Tiles with a TMS y-axis
OSGeo TMS also uses fixed tiles but, in its common global profile, counts y from the bottom. MapTools handles this difference.
WMTS 1.0.0
Standardized tile matrix
GetCapabilities describes layers, styles, formats, CRS and TileMatrixSets. MapTools selects compatible matrices and can manage multiple ordered layers.
WMS 1.1.1 / 1.3.0
Server-generated map image
WMS creates an image for an extent, size and CRS. MapTools supports 1.1.1 and 1.3.0, layers, styles, dimensions and GetFeatureInfo for queryable layers.
A URL or standard says nothing about price, registration, quotas, caching rights or licence. Always check the terms of the specific provider.
Guide
Connect a WMS or WMTS service in five steps
The images show entry through a map slot, central map management and the result with visible source attribution.
- Long-press the map slotOpen the slot in which the new basemap or overlay should later be available.
- Open online map servicesChoose WMS or WMTS and enter an HTTPS GetCapabilities address.
- Select layersReview discovered layers, styles, dimensions and a compatible CRS or TileMatrixSet.
- Test preview and connectionCheck rendering, scale range, attribution and any required credentials.
- Save and enableSave the source as a basemap or overlay, set order and opacity, and enable it in the slot.
Rendering and security
Combine layers, transform CRS and keep sources transparent
Setup stores more than a URL: it also keeps the technical and legal information needed for traceable map rendering.
Multiple layers
Compatible WMS or WMTS layers can be selected together, saved in a fixed order and edited later. Basemap, overlay and opacity remain controllable per map slot.
CRS and reprojection
Web Mercator is rendered directly. Other approved CRS are locally reprojected through the central engine; scale limits and layer bounds are respected.
Feature information
GetFeatureInfo can return information for a tapped position on suitable queryable WMS layers. The service determines content and availability.
Credentials and attribution
Passwords, API keys and tokens are stored encrypted and excluded from backups and .asmaps files. Mandatory attributions from active sources are combined.
External map services and data are not automatically included with MapTools. Costs, accounts, limits, availability, caching and usage rights are governed by the respective provider.
Technology glossary
Distinguish map services, providers and offline formats
A provider such as OpenStreetMap, a protocol such as WMS and a container such as MBTiles describe different layers of the map stack.
- XYZ
- A simple URL template for finished map tiles. z is zoom, x is the column and y is the row counted from the top.
- OSGeo TMS
- The tiling scheme from the OSGeo TMS specification. It resembles XYZ but, in the common global profile, counts y from the bottom edge.
- WMTS
- OGC standard for pre-rendered map tiles. GetCapabilities describes layers, styles, formats, CRS and TileMatrixSets.
- WMS
- OGC standard for map images generated by the server for a requested extent. Layers, styles, dimensions, CRS and image format are combined in a GetMap request.
- OGC API Features
- A modern OGC API standard for individual geographic features and their attributes. MapTools uses declared capabilities and does not silently download whole datasets.
- WFS
- OGC Web Feature Service for structured vector features. MapTools supports read-only WFS 2.0 and WFS 1.1 requests; WFS-T is not included.
- GetCapabilities
- Machine-readable description of a WMS or WMTS. MapTools reads version, layers, styles, dimensions, endpoints and CRS from it.
- TileMatrixSet
- An ordered set of WMTS zoom levels with tile size, grid extent, origin, scale and CRS.
- OpenStreetMap (OSM)
- An open geodata project and dataset. OSM is not automatically a particular tile server or CRS; individual providers have their own usage and caching rules.
- Google Maps
- A map service with its own SDK and terms. In MapTools, Google Maps is an official map integration, not an interchangeable XYZ source.
- GeoTIFF
- A TIFF raster with georeferencing and CRS metadata. It can be an image map or elevation model when raster structure and GeoKeys are compatible.
- Mapsforge .map
- A compact offline vector-map format, often containing OSM-based data. A compatible render theme draws it locally.
- MBTiles
- An SQLite container for map tiles and metadata. Content, tiling scheme, CRS, licence and offline rights depend on the file.
- GeoPackage
- An OGC SQLite container for tiles and vector data. MapTools uses it for maps and layers, not as a general elevation format.
Primary sources and standards
Further definitions are available from the responsible standards bodies and projects.
Detailed guides
Configure XYZ and TMS sources
XYZ/TMS is an online tile source, not a file import. Use the protocol and template documented by the provider.
Setup
Long-press a map slot, add XYZ/TMS, enter an HTTPS template with {z}/{x}/{y} or documented {quadkey}/{s}, set zoom limits, test and save.
Provider conditions
Keep authentication separate, show required attribution and check account, cost, quota, licence, caching rules and privacy before use. TMS uses a different Y-axis convention from XYZ.