The ArcGIS Basemap Gallery is one of the most valuable features in the ArcGIS ecosystem. It allows users to choose from a wide collection of basemaps that provide background context for spatial data. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced GIS analyst, the ArcGIS Basemap Gallery helps you quickly create maps that are visually appealing, accurate, and informative. A basemap is the foundation of any GIS project. It provides reference layers such as imagery, streets, terrain, and boundaries, allowing your operational data to stand out in the right context.
Without a proper basemap, maps may look incomplete or confusing. This is why the ArcGIS Basemap Gallery is so important—it saves time, offers ready-to-use maps, and supports a wide variety of applications. In this article, we will explore the types of basemaps available in the ArcGIS Basemap Gallery, their uses, and best practices for selecting and applying them.
What is the ArcGIS Basemap Gallery?
The ArcGIS Basemap Gallery is a built-in collection of basemaps that users can access in ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Enterprise. It acts like a catalog of different background maps that can be applied with just a few clicks. The gallery contains standard basemaps provided by Esri, such as imagery, streets, terrain, and topographic maps, but organizations can also configure their own custom basemap galleries. Basemaps play an essential role in map-making because they provide:
- Geographic context for operational data.
- A visual reference for analysis.
- Aesthetic balance for map presentations.
The gallery ensures that users can choose the right basemap for their project without having to build one from scratch.
Types of ArcGIS Basemaps in the Gallery
ArcGIS provides several types of basemaps, each designed for specific use cases. Let’s explore them in detail.
1. Imagery Basemap
The imagery basemap offers high-resolution satellite and aerial images of the Earth’s surface. It is widely used in environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and natural resource management.
- Shows real-world landscapes in detail.
- Useful for vegetation studies, land use classification, and urban growth detection.
- Ideal for projects requiring up-to-date visual reference of the ground.
For example, if a city planner wants to monitor urban expansion, the imagery basemap provides a clear view of built-up areas and green spaces. Environmentalists can also use it to detect deforestation or changes in wetlands.
2. Topographic Basemap
The topographic basemap highlights both natural features (mountains, rivers, forests) and man-made structures (roads, cities, boundaries). It is designed to give a balanced overview of the physical and cultural landscape.
- Best suited for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and field surveys.
- Provides elevation details, making it helpful for terrain analysis.
- Frequently used in geology, land-use planning, and academic research.
For instance, researchers conducting a watershed analysis can use the topographic basemap to understand terrain slopes, water flow, and surrounding infrastructure.
3. Streets Basemap
The streets basemap focuses on road networks, transportation routes, and navigation details. It is clean, detailed, and optimized for routing applications.
- Excellent for traffic planning, logistics, and navigation systems.
- Helps businesses optimize delivery routes and reduce travel time.
- Commonly used in smart city projects and emergency response planning.
For example, a logistics company can use the streets basemap to design efficient delivery routes for its fleet, ensuring timely service.
4. Terrain Basemap
The terrain basemap provides shaded relief maps that display elevation differences, making landscapes look three-dimensional.
- Useful for analyzing slope, elevation, and landform patterns.
- Helpful in environmental risk assessments like landslide and flood modeling.
- Ideal for projects that require clear visualization of mountainous regions.
For instance, flood risk analysts can use terrain basemaps to predict how water will flow across different elevations in a valley.
5. Light Gray Canvas Basemap
This basemap provides a minimal, clean background with subtle details. It is designed for maps where the main focus is on the data layers rather than the basemap itself.
- Reduces visual noise and enhances operational data visibility.
- Ideal for thematic maps, dashboards, and story maps.
- Common in presentations where simplicity is key.
When creating an infographic map on population density, the light gray canvas basemap ensures the thematic layers stand out clearly.
6. Dark Gray Canvas Basemap
Similar to the light gray canvas, but with a dark background. It is especially useful for data visualization that involves bright, colorful symbols.
- Great for nighttime visualizations.
- Enhances contrast for vibrant data layers.
- Popular in apps, dashboards, and mobile GIS projects.
For instance, a crime analyst might use a dark gray canvas basemap with bright symbols to highlight hotspots in a city.
7. Navigation Basemap
The navigation basemap is designed for mobile devices and applications. It provides simplified, scalable maps that look good at different zoom levels.
- Perfect for apps and field data collection.
- Useful for GPS-enabled devices and offline maps.
- Supports real-time navigation in industries like transportation and utilities.
This basemap is frequently used in ArcGIS Field Maps and other mobile GIS applications.
8. National Geographic Basemap
Created in collaboration with National Geographic, this basemap offers a unique cartographic style. It combines cultural, historical, and geographical details.
- Engaging for educational and storytelling purposes.
- Useful for maps that aim to inspire and educate.
- Ideal for museums, schools, and conservation projects.
Educators often use the National Geographic basemap for classroom activities that make geography more interactive.
9. OpenStreetMap Basemap
The OpenStreetMap (OSM) basemap is built from open-source community-contributed data. It is widely used for collaborative projects.
- Free and updated frequently by volunteers worldwide.
- Useful for humanitarian projects and crowdsourced mapping.
- Flexible for organizations that prefer open data sources.
For instance, during natural disasters, humanitarian organizations often use OSM basemaps to support relief efforts.
Uses of the ArcGIS Basemap Gallery
Basemaps are not just for visual appeal. They have a variety of practical applications. Here are some common uses:
- Urban Planning: Helps planners visualize land use, zoning, and infrastructure.
- Environmental Studies: Provides data for forestry, wetlands, and water resources.
- Disaster Management: Offers real-time maps for floods, earthquakes, and storms.
- Transportation: Supports traffic management, logistics, and route optimization.
- Education: Enhances learning with interactive maps in schools and universities.
- Research and Analysis: Provides context for spatial analysis in multiple fields.
For example, in agriculture, basemaps are used to overlay crop health data with soil type maps, improving farm management decisions.
Best Practices for Using ArcGIS Basemap Gallery
While basemaps are easy to use, selecting the right one can make a big difference. Follow these best practices:
1. Match the Basemap with the Purpose
Always choose a basemap that supports the objective of your project.
- For urban traffic analysis, use streets basemap.
- For environmental monitoring, choose imagery or terrain basemap.
- For presentations, go with light or dark gray canvas.
2. Keep the Map Readable
Avoid clutter by ensuring that your operational layers are not overshadowed by the basemap. Minimal basemaps often work best for thematic data.
3. Use Scale Appropriately
Some basemaps are optimized for large-scale mapping (streets, navigation), while others work better for small-scale (world or regional maps). Always test how your basemap looks at different zoom levels.
4. Leverage Custom Basemap Galleries
Organizations can create their own basemap galleries with internal datasets. This is useful for businesses or government agencies that need specialized maps.
5. Consider Performance
High-resolution imagery looks great but may load slowly. For web applications, balance visual detail with performance speed.
6. Use Basemaps for Storytelling
Basemaps are not just backgrounds—they influence how your audience perceives your data. Choose basemaps that enhance the narrative of your project.
FAQs about ArcGIS Basemap Gallery
What is the difference between ArcGIS Online basemaps and ArcGIS Pro basemaps?
ArcGIS Online provides cloud-based basemaps accessible through the internet, while ArcGIS Pro allows integration of both online and offline basemaps. Both access the same gallery but may differ in customization.
Can I add my own basemap to the gallery?
Yes, organizations can configure custom basemap galleries using ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online. This allows them to include company-specific or local datasets.
Which basemap is best for analysis?
It depends on your analysis. For terrain-based studies, terrain basemaps are best. For population density or thematic maps, gray canvas basemaps work well.
Is OpenStreetMap basemap free in ArcGIS?
Yes, the OSM basemap is free and included in the gallery. However, performance and coverage may vary depending on the region.
How often are basemaps updated?
Updates vary by basemap type. For example, imagery basemaps are updated periodically with new satellite data, while OSM is updated continuously by volunteers.
Conclusion
The ArcGIS Basemap Gallery is more than just a collection of maps. It is a powerful tool that provides the foundation for effective GIS projects. From imagery and streets to minimalistic gray canvases, each basemap serves a unique purpose. By understanding the types, uses, and best practices, users can make informed choices that enhance the clarity, performance, and impact of their maps. Whether you are creating an educational map, planning city infrastructure, or analyzing environmental change, the ArcGIS Basemap Gallery ensures you always have the right foundation.
