Using Custom Basemap Styles and Google Maps API Keys

Mapme includes a gallery of ready-to-use basemap styles. If your project requires a different design or map provider, you can connect your own custom basemap.

Mapme supports two custom basemap options:

• MapTiler/Esri/Mapbox style: Use a custom vector map style created and hosted by one of these providers.
• Google key: Use Google Satellite or Google Road maps with your own Google Maps API key.

Understanding Custom Basemaps

A custom basemap controls the appearance of the underlying map, including elements such as roads, buildings, labels, land use, and water. Your Mapme locations, categories, drawings, and other interactive content are displayed on top of the basemap.

Custom map styles can help you:

• Match the map colors and typography to your brand.
• Highlight or hide specific geographic features.
• Create a visual style suited to your project’s purpose.
• Use imagery or map data from your preferred provider.

View an example of a custom map style.

Adding a Custom Basemap to Mapme

To configure a custom basemap:

1. In the Mapme Editor, go to Appearance > Basemap.
2. Under Basemap Style, select Custom.
3. Choose one of the following options:
   • MapTiler/Esri/Mapbox style
   • Google key
4. Enter the required information as described below.
5. Click Apply Style.
6. Review the basemap in the map preview and publish your map when you are ready.

Option 1: Use a MapTiler, Esri, or Mapbox Style

You can create and host a custom vector map style using:

• MapTiler Map Designer
• Esri ArcGIS Vector Tile Style Editor
• Mapbox Studio

Basic color and visibility changes are generally straightforward, while more advanced modifications may require GIS or map design experience.

For an introduction, see our comparison of MapTiler and Mapbox custom map style tools. Mapme’s professional services team can also assist with creating a custom basemap.

MapTiler

1. Create or select your map style in MapTiler.
2. Copy the style URL and API key provided by MapTiler.
3. In Mapme, select MapTiler/Esri/Mapbox style.
4. Enter the style URL and API key. If the API key is already included in the URL, paste the complete URL provided by MapTiler.
5. Optionally, enter a name for the custom style.
6. Click Apply Style.

Esri ArcGIS

Use the URL of your Esri vector tile style together with its access token. The style ID can usually be found in the Vector Tile Style Editor URL or on the style’s ArcGIS Online details page.

Example URL format:

https://basemapstyles-api.arcgis.com/arcgis/rest/services/styles/v2/styles/{style_id}?type=style&token={access_token}

Replace {style_id} with your style ID and {access_token} with your Esri access token.

Paste the resulting URL into Mapme and click Apply Style.

Mapbox Studio

1. Open your style in Mapbox Studio.
2. Copy the Style URL.
3. Copy an Access Token authorized to use the style.
4. In Mapme, select MapTiler/Esri/Mapbox style.
5. Enter the Style URL and Access Token in the corresponding fields.
6. Optionally, enter a name for the custom style.
7. Click Apply Style.

You may need to configure your Mapbox style for use with Mapme.

Option 2: Use Google Satellite or Google Road

You can use your own Google Maps API key to display either a Google Satellite or Google Road basemap.

Before you begin, make sure your Google Maps API key is active, has access to the required Google Maps services, and is configured for the domains where your map will be displayed.

To configure the Google basemap:

1. Go to Appearance > Basemap.
2. Under Basemap Style, select Custom.
3. Select Google key.
4. Choose the basemap type:
   • Satellite: Displays Google satellite imagery.
   • Road: Displays the standard Google road map.
5. Enter your Google Maps API key.
6. Click Apply Style.

Don’t have a Google Maps API key? See How to Create and Configure a Google Maps API Key for Mapme.

Updating a Custom Basemap

Styles imported from MapTiler, Esri, or Mapbox remain hosted by the selected provider. Changes made to the provider-hosted style will generally appear automatically in Mapme as long as the style URL remains unchanged.

If the style URL, API key, or access token changes, update the corresponding information in Appearance > Basemap and click Apply Style again.

Troubleshooting

If the custom basemap does not appear:

• Confirm that you selected the correct custom basemap option.
• Verify that the style URL was copied completely and is accessible.
• Check that the API key or access token is valid and has not expired.
• Review any domain, website-referrer, or API restrictions applied to the key.
• For Google basemaps, confirm that the required Google Maps services are enabled for your project.
• Click Apply Style after making any changes.

For security and cost control, restrict API keys and access tokens to the required services and authorized websites whenever your provider supports these restrictions. Third-party provider accounts, usage limits, and related charges are managed directly with the provider.