Spencer S. - Technical Writer
Add a TMS URL to produce a base layer

Description

TMS stands for Tile Map Service, a specification for tiled web maps. 
 
Adding a TMS URL enables you to import the georeferenced tiles to produce a base layer on a map. 
A TMS URL will have {X},{Y}, and {Z} in the URL.
 
Every provider has their own format. This is a common format:
https://www.websiteprovider/tiletype/{X}/{Y}/{Z}

Import the tiles

  1. Log into your account.
  2. (Optional) If the "LAYERS" Panel isn't open on the right-side of the browser window, click the vertical bar
  3. At the bottom of the Layers Panel, open the Base Layers window by clicking the double-arrowheads.
  4. Click the (+) button.
  5. In the flyout, click: "Add TMS".
    You will see the editor window titled: "ADD/EDIT TMS"
  6. Copy the URL.
    For example, this URL:
    https://services.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/rest/services/Demographics/USA_Population_Density/MapServer/tile/{Z}/{Y}/{X}
    Copy by highlighting the URL. Then use your keyboard to press:
    • Ctrl + C (for Windows).
    • Command + C (for Macs).
     
     
  7. Paste the URL in the "ADD/EDIT TMS" window.
    Paste by clicking the field under the heading: "TMS URL XYZ". Then use your keyboard to press:
    • Ctrl + V (for Windows).
    • Command + V (for Macs).
     
     
  8. You will see the tiled map in the preview window.
  9. (Optional) Under the heading, "Layer Name", type the name into the field. For example: "Test".
    Note: In later steps, the TMS name will appear on the base layer's row in the Base Layers window.
  10. Click the button: "ADD TMS LAYER".
  11. Click "Ok".
     
    In the top-right corner of the TMS window, click the "X" button.
    In the Map View, you will see the added TMS base layer.
  12. (Optional) You can toggle the visibility of the TMS base layer.
    In the Base Layers window, click the Eye Icon located on the left-side of the base layer's row.