Difference between revisions of "Spatial Manager Desktop™ - FAQs: Background Maps"

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[[image:SPM Desktop Wiki to Website.png|150px|link=https://www.spatialmanager.com/spm-desktop/ |Spatial Manager Desktop™ product page]] [[image:SPM Desktop Wiki to Download.png|150px|link=https://www.spatialmanager.com/download/spatial-manager-desktop/ |Download Spatial Manager Desktop™]]
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''Notes:''
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*''Some components in the images on this page (providers, names, windows look, etc.) may be slightly different from those that will appear on your computer''
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*''Some application functions need to access the Internet from the application itself. If you experiment problems in any process, ask your network administrator if there is a Proxy server installed on your network. You can configure the [[Spatial_Manager_Desktop%E2%84%A2_-_FAQs:_Interface#Options|Proxy settings through the application options]]''
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*''Some geographic data providers (Geocode, image Maps, etc.) may need a user account, which you can configure in the [[Spatial_Manager_Desktop%E2%84%A2_-_FAQs:_Interface#Options|Service Provider API Keys settings through the application options]]''
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===Introduction===
 
===Introduction===
 
*'''Objective of this section'''
 
*'''Objective of this section'''
**To learn how to show image Maps in the Background of the drawings, which can enhance their quality as well as make them more understandable
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**To learn how to show image Maps in the Background of the Maps, which can enhance their quality as well as make them more understandable
  
 
*'''Topics in this section'''
 
*'''Topics in this section'''
 
**Select 'Background Maps' models
 
**Select 'Background Maps' models
**Show / Hide 'Background Maps'
 
**Reference for 'Background Maps'
 
 
**Configure User 'Background Maps'
 
**Configure User 'Background Maps'
  
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===How can I display a 'Background Map' in the Map?===
 
===How can I display a 'Background Map' in the Map?===
You can select an image map model to show as 'Background Map' in the Map through the "Start" ribbon of Spatial Manager Desktop. This will open the "Background Map" window allowing you to select a model from the Maps list. You can find the list arranged using different Groups (Tabs) for the different preset Providers (OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, etc.) and the User groups (see how to [[#Can_I_configure_my_own_Web_Map_Services.3F|Configure User 'Background Maps']]). The image of the 'Background Map' is automatically adapted to the current Map view and it will be automatically fitted when the Map view changes (zoom, pan, etc.)
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You can select an image map model to show as 'Background Map' in the Map through the "Start" ribbon of Spatial Manager Desktop. This will open the "Background Map" window allowing you to select a model from the Maps list. You can find the list arranged using different Groups (Tabs) for the different preset Providers (OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, etc.) and the User groups (see how to [[#Can_I_configure_my_own_Web_Map_Services.3F|''Configure User 'Background Maps''']]). The image of the dynamic 'Background Map' is automatically adapted to the current Map view and it will be automatically fitted when the Map view changes (zoom, pan, etc.)
  
 
To change the image model map for the 'Background Map', you can run again  this function. The "Background Map" window will display emphasized the current image map model, which you can keep by clicking in the "OK" button. Click in another model if you want to change to this model
 
To change the image model map for the 'Background Map', you can run again  this function. The "Background Map" window will display emphasized the current image map model, which you can keep by clicking in the "OK" button. Click in another model if you want to change to this model
  
  
[[Image:Spatial_Manager_Base_Maps4.png|border|Select a Map background]]
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<span title="Select a Map background">[[Image:Spatial_Manager_Base_Maps5.png|950px|border|Select a Map background|link={{filepath:Spatial_Manager_Base_Maps5.png}}]]</span>
 
 
 
 
The option "Zoom to the map" changes automatically the Map view to the 'Background Map' extent, defined in the server
 
  
  
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Workspace view behavior when selecting a 'Background Map' and the "Zoom to the map" option:
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*"Zoom to the map" selected
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**If the map extension intersects the 'Background Map' extent, then the view fits to the map extension
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**Otherwise the view fits to the 'Background Map' extent
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*"Zoom to the map" not selected
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**The view does not change. If the current view does not intersect the 'Background Map' extent, a warning alerts you about that the selected 'Background Map' is located outside the current view and that you will not see it in the view
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*In any other case not covered above
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**The view does not change
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''Note: The 'Background Map' extent is the bounding box defined in the corresponding Map Server and sometimes may be greater than the 'Background Map' geographic extent''
  
===How can I hide the 'Background Map' in the drawing?===
 
You can hide the 'Background Map' that is shown in the drawing by executing the 'SPMBGMAPHIDE' command of Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD, which you will find in the "Spatial Manager" ribbon, toolbar or drop-down menu
 
  
If you want to display a 'Background Map', you need to execute the 'SPMBGMAPSHOW' command again
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"Bring map to front" option: When checked, the map will be overlapped to all the elements in the workspace
  
  
[[Image:SPMMapHide2.png|border|'SPMBGMAPHIDE' command in the Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD ribbon]]
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<span title="Map in the background vs. foreground">[[Image:BGMap to front2.png|Map in the background vs. foreground|link=]]</span>
  
  
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''Notes:''
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*''Bringing the 'Background Map' to front makes sense, and it is a very practical option, when it has any Transparent area (learn more about [[#Does the 'Background Map' technology support Transparent maps?|Transparent 'Background Maps' support]])''
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*''If you add elements to your map after bringing the 'Background Map' to front, those will overlap the 'Background Map'. If you want to put the 'Background Map' back in the foreground, simply select it again and keep checked the option "Bring map to front"''
  
===Need to have some reference in the drawing to use the 'Background Maps'?===
 
If the drawing is not empty when 'SPMBGMAPSHOW' is executed, it is necessary that the drawing has been assigned a Coordinate Reference System (CRS) in order that the application "knows how-to" adjust the image of the 'Background Map'. If this is not the case, you can assign a CRS to the drawing (and modify it) using the command 'SPMSETCRS' of Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD. By executing this command you will access the CRS catalog of the application where you can:
 
*Filter the CRSs by type (Geocentric, Projected, etc.). The type "Projected" will be selected by default because is the most common choice
 
*Choose a CRS by clicking on its row in the table
 
*Search CRSs by typing the search criteria in the "Search" box. You can type here as many words as you like separated by blanks. The application will find all the rows including all these words in any column of the table
 
*''Note: To unassign (undefine) the Coordinate System of the drawing, choose "Undefined CRS" (EPSG 0)''
 
If the drawing is empty when 'SPMBGMAPSHOW' is executed, Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD will assign the generic "WGS84 / Pseudo-Mercator" (EPSG 3857) CRS to the drawing. This is an approximate projected CRS valid for most areas of the earth which lets you start a drawing with a 'Background Map' as a basic reference
 
  
* ''Notes:''
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''Warning: Bringing the 'Background Map' to front can cause the rest of elements to be hidden (except in Transparent areas of the 'Background Map', if any)''
**''The 'Background Maps' are only available when using '''projected''' Coordinate Reference Systems''
 
**[[Coordinate Systems objects list | C''oordinate Systems objects available in the current version'']]
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:SPMSetCrs25.png|border|'SPMSETCRS' command in the "Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD ribbon]]
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:TC-3.PNG|border|CRS catalog of the application]]
 
 
 
''CRS catalog of the application''
 
  
  
  
 
===Is there any special condition to use the 'Background Maps'?===
 
===Is there any special condition to use the 'Background Maps'?===
Certain image maps providers included in Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD may require special terms of use for the users of their maps. You can configure any special setting needed to load the maps of such providers through the 'Background Maps' selection window ('SPMBGMAPSHOW') or through the application Options ('SPMOPTIONS'). You can also configure and save settings the first time you try to use ('SPMBGMAPSHOW') a 'Background Map' that needs a special configuration
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Certain image maps providers included in Spatial Manager Desktop™ may require special terms of use for the users of their maps. You can configure any special setting needed to load the maps of such providers through the [[Spatial_Manager_Desktop%E2%84%A2_-_FAQs:_Interface#Options|"Service Provider API Keys" in the application Options]]. You can also configure and save these settings the first time you try to use a 'Background Map' that needs a special configuration
 
 
 
 
[[Image:BGMapsConfigure32.png|border|Configure 'Background Maps' through the selection window]]
 
 
 
  
[[Image:BGMapsOptionsACAD3.png|border|Configure 'Background Maps' through the application Options]]
 
  
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<span title="Service Provider API Keys window">[[Image:SPMAPIKeysParameters.png|border|Service Provider API Keys window|link=]]</span>
  
''Note: some components in the above window (providers, names, windows look, etc.) may be slightly different to those that will appear on your computer''
 
  
 
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You can change these settings as often as desired. You can even insert blank values to reset the values of these settings
You can change the settings as often as desired. You can even insert blank values to reset the values of these settings
 
  
  
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[[Image:SPM BckMap Limited ACAD2.PNG|border|'Background Maps' blocked]]
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<span title="'Background Maps' blocked">[[Image:SPM BckMap Limited DTOP.PNG|border|'Background Maps' blocked|link=]]</span>
  
  
''Important note: Please, read also the specific license conditions in the paragraph relating to the 'Background Maps' of the application [[Spatial_Manager%E2%84%A2_for_AutoCAD_EULA | End User License Agreement (EULA)]]''
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''Important note: Please, read also the specific license conditions in the paragraph relating to the 'Background Maps' of the application [[Spatial_Manager_Desktop%E2%84%A2_EULA | End User License Agreement (EULA)]]''
  
  
  
===Is there any way to "repair" or "clean" the image of the 'Background Map'?===
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===Can I configure my own Web Map Services?===
There may be situations where the image of the 'Background Map' in the drawing shows up as broken, incomplete, etc. Most of these issues can be solved through a regeneration ('REGEN') of the drawing. However, some problems may appear which require you "to refresh" the image using the 'SPMBGMAPREFRESH' command of Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD
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Yes, you can. Spatial Manager Desktop™ includes the option to define "User Background Maps" in order to enable the access to more Mapping Services ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tile_Map_Service XYZ / TMS] , [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_Map_Tile_Service WMTS] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_Map_Service WMS])
 
 
 
 
[[Image:SPMMapRefresh3.png|border|'SPMBGMAPREFRESH' command in the Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD ribbon]]
 
 
 
 
 
In certain cases, the image tiles of the 'Background Map' become "orphans", the map is not shown, the frames of the tiles are displayed but these tiles cannot be deleted using AutoCAD commands. 'Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD' includes the command 'SPMBGMAPIMAGEPURGE' that will delete them
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:BG_Maps_'Orphan'_tiles.PNG|border|'Background Map' "orphan" image tiles]]
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, this command will purge any non-referenced Raster Image in the drawing created using 'SPMBGIMAGE' (Snapshots; see below) and that have been deleted later by the user
 
 
 
Note that when running this command the 'Background Map' will be hidden (if shown) and the complete cleaning process may be time consuming depending on the number of objects in the drawing
 
 
 
 
 
  
===Can I configure my own Web Map Services?===
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Enter the parameters needed to define a new "User Background Map" through the "Configure Background Maps" button in the 'Background Maps' selection window. As you will see, you can also Edit or Delete any existing "User Background Map" through the same option
Yes, you can. Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD includes the option to define "User Background Maps" in order to enable the access to more Mapping Services ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tile_Map_Service TMS] , [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_Map_Tile_Service WMTS] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_Map_Service WMS])
 
  
Enter the parameters needed to define a new "User Background Map" through the option "Configure Background Maps" in the application Options ('SPMOPTIONS'), or through the "Configure User Maps" button in the Background Maps selection window ('SPMSPMBGMAPSHOW'). As you will see, you can also Edit or Delete any existing "User Background Map" through the same option
 
  
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Through the "Configure Background Maps" window you can also Export/Import "User Background Maps" to/from a 'Background Map Definition' file (''*.bmd''). This kind of files includes the definition of one or more 'Background Maps' as well as the Group(s) where they are or will be placed. You can export as many Maps as you want to a single file and, if you are importing already existing Maps, you can choose to either ignore the import of these Maps or rename them using automatic consecutive numbering
  
[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_USER_ACAD.png|"Configure Background Maps" in the application Options]]
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''Note: This functionality will allow you to share the Background Maps between computers or users and helps organize user Background Map definitions. In addition, you will be able to Import Maps from services such as [https://www.dronedeploy.com/ DroneDeploy] and others''
  
  
[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_USER2_ACAD.png|border|"Configure User Maps" button in the Background Maps selection window]]
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<span title="'Configure Background Maps' button in the 'Background Maps' selection window">[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_USER2_DTOP3.png|"Configure Background Maps" button in the 'Background Maps' selection window|link=]]</span>
  
  
*'''TMS Type Maps''' (OSGeo Standard, only Pseudo-Mercator WGS84 and 256x256 tiles)
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*'''XYZ / TMS Type Maps''' (OSGeo Standard / 256x256 tiles)
 
**The Name of the Map
 
**The Name of the Map
**The Group (Tab) where you want to place the Map. If it comes to a new Group, it will be automatically created
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***Each Map will have its own unique Identifier, so you can apply the same Name to different Maps in different Groups
**The Type of the Map (TMS in this case)
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**The Group (Tab) where you want to place the Map. If it comes to a new Group, it will be automatically created. You can dropdown the list of the Groups to place the Map into an existing Group
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**The Type of the Map (XYZ / TMS in this case)
 
**The URL to access a specific valid Map in a valid Map Server. The URL must include the dynamic parameters specified in the application window
 
**The URL to access a specific valid Map in a valid Map Server. The URL must include the dynamic parameters specified in the application window
***Authentication: To enter the login data to access the service, if needed
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***Authentication: To enter the login data to access the service, if needed (Available security protocols SSL3, TLS, TLS1.2)
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***Advanced options
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****Coordinate System (CRS). Be careful when changing this setting because most XYZ/TMS servers use the default value "WGS84 Pseudo-Mercator (EPSG 3857)", so change only if you are sure another CRS is required
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****Tiles origin (Top-left or Bottom-left)
  
  
[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_TMS5.PNG|border|Configuring "TMS User Background Maps"]]
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<span title="Configuring 'XYZ / TMS User Background Maps'">[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_TMS6.png|border|Configuring "XYZ / TMS User Background Maps"|link=]]</span>
  
  
*'''WMS''' or '''WMTS Type Maps''' (OGC Standard, any Coordinate System and tile size)
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*'''WMS''' or '''WMTS Type Maps''' (OGC Standard / any tile size)
 
**The Name of the Map
 
**The Name of the Map
 
***The application will you propose a name for the Map based on the selected Layer(s) in the server (see below), but you can modify it if you want to
 
***The application will you propose a name for the Map based on the selected Layer(s) in the server (see below), but you can modify it if you want to
**The Group (Tab) where you want to place the Map. If it comes to a new Group, it will be automatically created
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***Each Map will have its own unique Identifier, so you can apply the same Name to different Maps in different Groups
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**The Group (Tab) where you want to place the Map. If it comes to a new Group, it will be automatically created. You can dropdown the list of the Groups to place the Map into an existing Group
 
**The Type of the Map (WMS/WMTS in this case)
 
**The Type of the Map (WMS/WMTS in this case)
 
**The URL to access a valid Map Server
 
**The URL to access a valid Map Server
***Authentication: To enter the login data to access the service, if needed
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***Authentication: To enter the login data to access the service, if needed (Available security protocols SSL3, TLS, TLS1.2)
 
***The Layer(s) that you want to include in the 'Background Map'. Click in the "Get List of Layers" button and select the Layer(s) from the tree showing the complete Layers structure available in the Map Server
 
***The Layer(s) that you want to include in the 'Background Map'. Click in the "Get List of Layers" button and select the Layer(s) from the tree showing the complete Layers structure available in the Map Server
****The Coordinate System (CRS) for the selected Layer(s). Choose an available CRS from the "Coordinate System" dropdown
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****The Coordinate System (CRS) for the selected Layer(s). Choose an available CRS or "Automatic" from the "Coordinate System" dropdown
****The Image Format for the selected Layer(s). Choose an available Format from the "Image Format" dropdown
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*****The "Automatic" option automatically configures the most suitable 'Background Map' CRS
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****The Image Format for the selected Layer(s). Choose an available Format or "Automatic" from the "Image Format" dropdown
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*****The default "Automatic" option automatically sets the most suitable Image format, by following the next process:
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******PNG
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******If PNG is not available, then any PNG variant (PNG8, etc.)
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******If the previous option is not available either, then JPG
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******If JPG is not available, then the first format available in the server list
 
****The Download method from the server: "Single image (recommended)" or "Image tiles grid" (WMS only)
 
****The Download method from the server: "Single image (recommended)" or "Image tiles grid" (WMS only)
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****Advanced options
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*****WMS/WMTS options
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******Ignore axis orientation, needed for some map severs
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******Invert axis orientation, same as previous
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*****The Map Background Color (solid or transparent) (only for WMS servers that support it)
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******Transparent maps: See the next section
  
  
[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_WMTS-WMS3.PNG|border|Configuring "WMTS or WMS User Background Maps"]]
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<span title="Configuring 'WMTS or WMS User Background Maps'">[[Image:SPM_BGMAPS_WMTS-WMS4.png|border|Configuring "WMTS or WMS User Background Maps"|link=]]</span>
 
 
 
 
When configuring a User Map, clicking in the "Show Preview" button will display an image of the Map extension in order to help you verifying if all settings are correct. The "Preview" image will be automatically updated when you modify any configuration parameter
 
  
  
 
Notes about the WMS/WMTS 'Background Maps' performance:
 
Notes about the WMS/WMTS 'Background Maps' performance:
*Whenever possible select the Coordinate System (CRS) assigned to the drawing in the 'Background Map' configuration
 
**No CRS Transformation implies avoiding the deformation of the Map images while maintaining their original visual quality
 
 
*When configuring the "Download method" for a WMS 'Background Map', choose the default option "Single image (recommended)" whenever possible
 
*When configuring the "Download method" for a WMS 'Background Map', choose the default option "Single image (recommended)" whenever possible
 
**The image quality is optimum
 
**The image quality is optimum
 
**This choice will assure that not be shown texts or other elements repeated multiple times when they appear in more than one image tile
 
**This choice will assure that not be shown texts or other elements repeated multiple times when they appear in more than one image tile
 
**The alternative "Image tiles grid" should be used only when the "Single image" option becomes too slow
 
**The alternative "Image tiles grid" should be used only when the "Single image" option becomes too slow
*Select any compressed image format (png, jpg, etc.) if available
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*Select any compressed image format (PNG, JPG, etc.) if available
 
**The images will be smaller resulting in shorter download times
 
**The images will be smaller resulting in shorter download times
*''See also [[#How_can_I_improve_the_performance_of_the_.27Background_Maps.27_in_AutoCAD.3F|"How can I improve the performance of the 'Background Maps' in AutoCAD?"'']]
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**In most cases, the default "Automatic" option (see above) is the best one
  
  
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When configuring a User Map, clicking in the "Show Preview" button will display an image of the Map extension in order to help you verifying if all settings are correct. The "Preview" image will be automatically updated when you modify any configuration parameter
  
===Is there any way to get static "Snapshots" of the 'Background Maps'?===
 
Yes, Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD includes the command 'SPMBGMAPIMAGE' that allows you to create (capture) an AutoCAD Raster Image corresponding to the display view of the current 'Background Map'
 
  
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Click in the "Save" button to save the Map and exit, or click in the button "Save as a copy" to save the Map and stay on this window. This option allows you to quickly create various Maps using similar configurations without having to go out and come back again and again. For example, in the case of WMS/WMTS Maps it is very useful for easily creating different Maps that include different Layer(s) of the same source
  
[[Image:SpatialManagerforAutoCAD-CaptureImageCommand.png|border|'SPMBGMAPIMAGE' command in the "Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD ribbon]]
 
  
  
As you will see, you can choose between four levels of image quality for the new Raster Image, and the drawing must be saved so that the application "knows" a location where the new image can be stored
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===Does the 'Background Map' technology support Transparent maps?===
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Yes, Spatial Manager Desktop™ supports 'Background Maps' that include Transparency information. When you select any Transparent 'Background Map' to show it, the Transparent areas of the map will show the last Background solid color used. In addition, if the option "Bring map to front" is checked when selecting the 'Background Map', you will see the opaque areas of the 'Background Map' over the rest of the elements in your map (see the option "Bring map to front" in [[#How can I display a 'Background Map' in the Map?|''How can I display a 'Background Map' in the Map?'']])
  
  
[[Image:SpatialManagerforAutoCAD-CaptureImageResolution.png|border|Captured Raster Image Resolution window]]
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<span title="Transparent 'Background Maps'">[[Image:SPM_BGMapsDTOP_Transparent2.PNG|border|Transparent 'Background Maps'|link=]]</span>
  
  
This command allows you many advanced graphic options when using 'Background Maps' as well as solving some Printing issues, which are discussed in the next paragraph
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''Note: Transforming coordinates of the resulting images of a map (if needed), it is a little slower when a Transparent 'Background Map' is shown in the workspace''
  
  
[[Image:SPMCombinedMaps3.PNG|border|Combining Raster Images or Images with 'Background Maps']]
 
  
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==Related links==
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*Blog posts
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/image-map-backgrounds/ Base maps as Map backgrounds]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/enhanced_background_maps_wms_wmts_services/ Enhanced Background Maps. WMS & WMTS services]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/google-maps-in-your-cad-drawings-of-course/ Google Maps in your own Maps? Of course]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/more-about-dynamic-google-maps-in-your-drawings-or-maps/ More about dynamic Google Maps in your Maps]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/bring-background-maps-to-front/ Bring Background Maps to front]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/dronedeploy-integration/ DroneDeploy integration]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/map_servers_sub-domains/ Map servers sub-domains]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/exporting-importing-user-background-map-defintions/ Exporting-Importing user Background Map defintions]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/traffic-and-transit-in-google-maps/ Traffic and transit in Google Maps]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/setting-up-the-bg-maps-transparency-or-background-color/ Setting up the BG Maps transparency or background color]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/how-to-access-yandex-maps/ How to access Yandex maps]
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**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/nearmap-oblique-maps/ NearMap Oblique maps]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/how-to-access-opentopomap-map/ OpenTopoMap and more German maps in your maps]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/8-new-bing-maps-added-in-spm-v6/ 8 New Bing maps added in SPM v6]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/mapbox-customized-maps-in-cad-and-desktop/ Mapbox customized maps in Desktop]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/improved-preset-background-maps/ Improved preset Background Maps]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/accessing-user-datasets-nl-pdok-sample/ Accessing user Datasets (NL PDOK sample)]
 +
**[https://www.spatialmanager.com/us-department-agriculture-background-map/ U.S. Department of Agriculture background maps]
  
  
===Is it necessary to have some special consideration when Printing or Plotting 'Background Maps'?===
 
When Printing/Plotting from AutoCAD you have to be aware that the only way to be sure about the appropriate printed results will be by running the process from the Model Space and selecting "Display" as the "Plot area" (see the first image below). In other cases the results may not be correct and it would be necessary to apply the following workaround
 
  
To Print or Plot any other area of the Model Space, or do it from the Paper Space, or Publishing, etc., the use of the Raster Images captured as indicated in the previous article may be the best solution. In the case of Paper Space Viewports, note that these Raster Images are AutoCAD objects which will allow you to "play" with different possibilities depending on the Layer where they are included and how this Layer is configured in the different Viewports (see the second image below)
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*[[Spatial Manager Desktop™#FAQs|Go to FAQS]]
  
  
[[Image:SPMAutoCAD Plot area.PNG|border|Selecting AutoCAD "Plot area"]]
 
  
 
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[[image:SPM Desktop Wiki to Website.png|150px|link=https://www.spatialmanager.com/spm-desktop/ |Spatial Manager Desktop™ product page]] [[image:SPM Desktop Wiki to Download.png|150px|link=https://www.spatialmanager.com/download/spatial-manager-desktop/ |Download Spatial Manager Desktop™]]
[[Image:Spatial Manager Snapshots AutoCAD 2.PNG|border|Different 'Background Maps' views (Snapshots) in different Viewports]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I improve the performance of the 'Background Maps' in AutoCAD?===
 
If you find bugs or decreases in the performance of Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD when showing 'Background Maps', you can try to turn off the AutoCAD 'Hardware Acceleration'. This setting may be essential when your system incorporates some specific graphic cards
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:SPM AutoCAD HardAccel.png|border|'Hardware Acceleration' switch in AutoCAD 2016]]
 
 
 
'''Hardware Acceleration' switch in AutoCAD 2016. This setting may be different in other AutoCAD versions''
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
===Can I use the 'Background Maps' and the 'Online Maps' of AutoCAD?===
 
AutoCAD includes the option to display 'Online Maps' (from 2014 version), in a similar way to Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD when showing 'Background Maps'. The technologies used in both cases are slightly different. The Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD 'Background Maps' can be selected from many more map providers and the application of these Maps in the drawings will be easier to use for most basic and medium users. Using the 'Background Maps' of Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD will not prevent you from also working with the AutoCAD 'Online Maps'. Use one or the other, whichever you prefer at any given time
 
 
 
AutoCAD includes a Ribbon Tab named 'Geolocation' to control the 'Online Maps', as well as any other available AutoCAD Geographic tool
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:SPM AutoCAD GeoLocation.png|border|'Geolocation' Ribbon Tab in AutoCAD 2016]]
 
 
 
 
 
This Tab is automatically loaded and displayed every time you access a Geographic command in a contextual mode (quite annoying behavior, indeed). When you install Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD this feature is disabled by default, but you can:
 
 
 
*Open the Tab only when you need it through the right-click menu of the AutoCAD Ribbon:
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:SPM AutoCAD ShowTabs2.png|border|Open or Close Ribbon Tabs in AutoCAD]]
 
 
 
 
 
*Or, restore the AutoCAD default behavior in the Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD Options (Exit/Enter AutoCAD to take effect):
 
 
 
 
 
[[Image:SPM AutoCAD GeoLoc opt2.png|border|Enable or Disable 'Geographic location' Tab contextual mode]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Related links==
 
*[http://www.spatialmanager.com/image-map-backgrounds/ Base maps as Map backgrounds]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*[[Spatial Manager Desktop™#FAQs|Go to FAQS]]
 

Latest revision as of 11:29, 22 October 2024

Spatial Manager Desktop™ product page Download Spatial Manager Desktop™


Notes:

  • Some components in the images on this page (providers, names, windows look, etc.) may be slightly different from those that will appear on your computer
  • Some application functions need to access the Internet from the application itself. If you experiment problems in any process, ask your network administrator if there is a Proxy server installed on your network. You can configure the Proxy settings through the application options
  • Some geographic data providers (Geocode, image Maps, etc.) may need a user account, which you can configure in the Service Provider API Keys settings through the application options


Introduction

  • Objective of this section
    • To learn how to show image Maps in the Background of the Maps, which can enhance their quality as well as make them more understandable
  • Topics in this section
    • Select 'Background Maps' models
    • Configure User 'Background Maps'


How can I display a 'Background Map' in the Map?

You can select an image map model to show as 'Background Map' in the Map through the "Start" ribbon of Spatial Manager Desktop. This will open the "Background Map" window allowing you to select a model from the Maps list. You can find the list arranged using different Groups (Tabs) for the different preset Providers (OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, etc.) and the User groups (see how to Configure User 'Background Maps'). The image of the dynamic 'Background Map' is automatically adapted to the current Map view and it will be automatically fitted when the Map view changes (zoom, pan, etc.)

To change the image model map for the 'Background Map', you can run again this function. The "Background Map" window will display emphasized the current image map model, which you can keep by clicking in the "OK" button. Click in another model if you want to change to this model


Select a Map background


Workspace view behavior when selecting a 'Background Map' and the "Zoom to the map" option:

  • "Zoom to the map" selected
    • If the map extension intersects the 'Background Map' extent, then the view fits to the map extension
    • Otherwise the view fits to the 'Background Map' extent
  • "Zoom to the map" not selected
    • The view does not change. If the current view does not intersect the 'Background Map' extent, a warning alerts you about that the selected 'Background Map' is located outside the current view and that you will not see it in the view
  • In any other case not covered above
    • The view does not change

Note: The 'Background Map' extent is the bounding box defined in the corresponding Map Server and sometimes may be greater than the 'Background Map' geographic extent


"Bring map to front" option: When checked, the map will be overlapped to all the elements in the workspace


Map in the background vs. foreground


Notes:

  • Bringing the 'Background Map' to front makes sense, and it is a very practical option, when it has any Transparent area (learn more about Transparent 'Background Maps' support)
  • If you add elements to your map after bringing the 'Background Map' to front, those will overlap the 'Background Map'. If you want to put the 'Background Map' back in the foreground, simply select it again and keep checked the option "Bring map to front"


Warning: Bringing the 'Background Map' to front can cause the rest of elements to be hidden (except in Transparent areas of the 'Background Map', if any)


Is there any special condition to use the 'Background Maps'?

Certain image maps providers included in Spatial Manager Desktop™ may require special terms of use for the users of their maps. You can configure any special setting needed to load the maps of such providers through the "Service Provider API Keys" in the application Options. You can also configure and save these settings the first time you try to use a 'Background Map' that needs a special configuration


Service Provider API Keys window


You can change these settings as often as desired. You can even insert blank values to reset the values of these settings


Sometimes, the image maps provider lets you access to some free maps but you need to get a key or code to use the others. In this case you will see "blocked" the maps which need that you modify the configuration according to the instructions above


'Background Maps' blocked


Important note: Please, read also the specific license conditions in the paragraph relating to the 'Background Maps' of the application End User License Agreement (EULA)


Can I configure my own Web Map Services?

Yes, you can. Spatial Manager Desktop™ includes the option to define "User Background Maps" in order to enable the access to more Mapping Services (XYZ / TMS , WMTS or WMS)

Enter the parameters needed to define a new "User Background Map" through the "Configure Background Maps" button in the 'Background Maps' selection window. As you will see, you can also Edit or Delete any existing "User Background Map" through the same option


Through the "Configure Background Maps" window you can also Export/Import "User Background Maps" to/from a 'Background Map Definition' file (*.bmd). This kind of files includes the definition of one or more 'Background Maps' as well as the Group(s) where they are or will be placed. You can export as many Maps as you want to a single file and, if you are importing already existing Maps, you can choose to either ignore the import of these Maps or rename them using automatic consecutive numbering

Note: This functionality will allow you to share the Background Maps between computers or users and helps organize user Background Map definitions. In addition, you will be able to Import Maps from services such as DroneDeploy and others


"Configure Background Maps" button in the 'Background Maps' selection window


  • XYZ / TMS Type Maps (OSGeo Standard / 256x256 tiles)
    • The Name of the Map
      • Each Map will have its own unique Identifier, so you can apply the same Name to different Maps in different Groups
    • The Group (Tab) where you want to place the Map. If it comes to a new Group, it will be automatically created. You can dropdown the list of the Groups to place the Map into an existing Group
    • The Type of the Map (XYZ / TMS in this case)
    • The URL to access a specific valid Map in a valid Map Server. The URL must include the dynamic parameters specified in the application window
      • Authentication: To enter the login data to access the service, if needed (Available security protocols SSL3, TLS, TLS1.2)
      • Advanced options
        • Coordinate System (CRS). Be careful when changing this setting because most XYZ/TMS servers use the default value "WGS84 Pseudo-Mercator (EPSG 3857)", so change only if you are sure another CRS is required
        • Tiles origin (Top-left or Bottom-left)


Configuring "XYZ / TMS User Background Maps"


  • WMS or WMTS Type Maps (OGC Standard / any tile size)
    • The Name of the Map
      • The application will you propose a name for the Map based on the selected Layer(s) in the server (see below), but you can modify it if you want to
      • Each Map will have its own unique Identifier, so you can apply the same Name to different Maps in different Groups
    • The Group (Tab) where you want to place the Map. If it comes to a new Group, it will be automatically created. You can dropdown the list of the Groups to place the Map into an existing Group
    • The Type of the Map (WMS/WMTS in this case)
    • The URL to access a valid Map Server
      • Authentication: To enter the login data to access the service, if needed (Available security protocols SSL3, TLS, TLS1.2)
      • The Layer(s) that you want to include in the 'Background Map'. Click in the "Get List of Layers" button and select the Layer(s) from the tree showing the complete Layers structure available in the Map Server
        • The Coordinate System (CRS) for the selected Layer(s). Choose an available CRS or "Automatic" from the "Coordinate System" dropdown
          • The "Automatic" option automatically configures the most suitable 'Background Map' CRS
        • The Image Format for the selected Layer(s). Choose an available Format or "Automatic" from the "Image Format" dropdown
          • The default "Automatic" option automatically sets the most suitable Image format, by following the next process:
            • PNG
            • If PNG is not available, then any PNG variant (PNG8, etc.)
            • If the previous option is not available either, then JPG
            • If JPG is not available, then the first format available in the server list
        • The Download method from the server: "Single image (recommended)" or "Image tiles grid" (WMS only)
        • Advanced options
          • WMS/WMTS options
            • Ignore axis orientation, needed for some map severs
            • Invert axis orientation, same as previous
          • The Map Background Color (solid or transparent) (only for WMS servers that support it)
            • Transparent maps: See the next section


Configuring "WMTS or WMS User Background Maps"


Notes about the WMS/WMTS 'Background Maps' performance:

  • When configuring the "Download method" for a WMS 'Background Map', choose the default option "Single image (recommended)" whenever possible
    • The image quality is optimum
    • This choice will assure that not be shown texts or other elements repeated multiple times when they appear in more than one image tile
    • The alternative "Image tiles grid" should be used only when the "Single image" option becomes too slow
  • Select any compressed image format (PNG, JPG, etc.) if available
    • The images will be smaller resulting in shorter download times
    • In most cases, the default "Automatic" option (see above) is the best one


When configuring a User Map, clicking in the "Show Preview" button will display an image of the Map extension in order to help you verifying if all settings are correct. The "Preview" image will be automatically updated when you modify any configuration parameter


Click in the "Save" button to save the Map and exit, or click in the button "Save as a copy" to save the Map and stay on this window. This option allows you to quickly create various Maps using similar configurations without having to go out and come back again and again. For example, in the case of WMS/WMTS Maps it is very useful for easily creating different Maps that include different Layer(s) of the same source


Does the 'Background Map' technology support Transparent maps?

Yes, Spatial Manager Desktop™ supports 'Background Maps' that include Transparency information. When you select any Transparent 'Background Map' to show it, the Transparent areas of the map will show the last Background solid color used. In addition, if the option "Bring map to front" is checked when selecting the 'Background Map', you will see the opaque areas of the 'Background Map' over the rest of the elements in your map (see the option "Bring map to front" in How can I display a 'Background Map' in the Map?)


Transparent 'Background Maps'


Note: Transforming coordinates of the resulting images of a map (if needed), it is a little slower when a Transparent 'Background Map' is shown in the workspace


Related links



Spatial Manager Desktop™ product page Download Spatial Manager Desktop™