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Overview
This article explains how you can add publicly available WMS or WMTS maps to Birdi.
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What is a WMTS or WMS layer?
What is a WMTS or WMS layer?
WMTS (Web Map Tile Service) and WMS (Web Map Service) are tools that make it easy to share map data online. They’re often used in maps and GIS tools to show different types of information in one place.
WMS and WMTS often have multiple layers or tiles that refer to the different sets or areas of data that can be served by your desired provider. For example, one WMS may have multiple layers, representing basemaps (the background for your map) or thematic data, such as vegetation or weather patterns.
How to add a WMTS or WMS URL
General Steps to add a WMS or WMTS Layer
Birdi makes it simple to add publicly hosted map layers to your project. Follow these steps to add a layer using a WMS or WMTS URL:
Click + Add layer
Select Add from WMS or WMTS URL
Paste your constructed link in the URL field and give your layer a name.
Click Add to Map.
Your WMS or WMTS should now show in your layers panel. You can turn this on and off as you would any other map layer.
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How to construct your WMS URL
Step 1. Open the WMS link
From your chosen map provider, open the WMS ‘get capabilities’ link for your desired map.
This should open a .xml page in your browser. The URL should end with something like this: “?request=GetCapabilities&service=WMS”
Step 2: Search for the desired layer name
You might have to scroll down or search (command+F on mac or ctrl+F on windows) for ‘title’ or search for the key word, ( e.g., Land_Cover_Class).
Step 3: Construct the WMS URL:
Take the base URL (everything before the ?) and copy in ‘layers=<layer_name>’.
Example Format:
Step 3: Add the link according to general steps
How to construct your WMTS URL
Adding a WMTS layer follows a similar process but with a few variations:
Step 1. Open the WMTS link:
From your chosen map provider, open the WMTS ‘get capabilities’ link for your desired map.
This should open a .xml page in your browser. The URL should end with something like this: “MapServer/WMTS/1.0.0/WMTSCapabilities.xml” or it may lead to a documentation page.
Step 2: Construct the WMTS URL:
Replace the base URL and layer name as required - an example format is given below. You may need to search (command+F on mac or ctrl+F on windows) in the .xml for the appropriate text to add.
Example Format:
https://*providerURLhere*/services/*mapnamehere*/MapServer/WMTS/*version name here*/*layer name here* /default/default028mm/{z}/{y}/{x}.png
Step 3: Add the link according to general steps
Keen to Try It Out? Here Are Some Popular Providers
There are several well-known organizations and platforms that provide publicly available WMTS and WMS services for accessing geospatial data. Here are some places where you can access such services:
Geoscience Australia offers a range of layers such as topographic maps, satellite imagery, and geological data for Australia.
USGS (United States Geological Survey) offers a range of layers such as topographic maps, satellite imagery, and geological data for the USA.
We know this process is a little tricky, here are some extra tips:
General troubleshooting tips
Ensure the URL is correct and publicly accessible.
Confirm the layer name matches exactly as listed in the service capabilities.
Check your internet connection and retry if a layer does not appear immediately.
Tips for opening the .xml file
If you can’t open the in your browser, you might be able to download the .xml file by right-clicking and selecting ‘Save link as’, then open it in a text editor such as Notepad. You can then follow the same instructions as above to find the appropriate components of your URL.
If you aren’t able to download the .xml file or aren’t comfortable downloading the link, try installing a .xml reader. We like XML tree for chrome, XML Viewer for Safari, or Pretty XML for Firefox, or
If you still need assistance with any of the steps, please contact us on chat!