Using URLs as a Tool in QGIS

Luisa Zuccolo

One of the most useful features of QGIS is the ability to access basemaps and satellite imagery from different sources and servers directly within the software. This functionality simplifies the visualization and interpretation of spatial analyses.

How to Add These Layers to QGIS
  1. Open QGIS.
  2. Right-click on the top toolbar and enable the Browser Panel, as shown in Figure 1.

Figura 1- Panels

 

  1. In the sidebar activated in Step 2, right-click on XYZ Tiles and then select New Connection… (Figure 2).

Figura 2- Create a New Connection

 

  1. In the Name field, enter a descriptive name (e.g., Google Earth).
  2. In the URL field, paste the desired Tile Server URL, as illustrated in Figure 3.


Figura 3- Enter Connection Information

  1. Click OK.
  2. Repeat the same procedure for WMS and WFS connections.
Useful URL Examples for Geoprocessing Projects

SENTINEL-2

Provides mosaic imagery from the Sentinel-2 satellite. Add as a WMS service.

https://tiles.maps.eox.at/wmts?SERVICE=WMTS&REQUEST=GetCapabilities

Terra Brasilis

Provides access to environmental and geospatial data for Brazil. Can be added as either a WMS or WFS service.

https://terrabrasilis.dpi.inpe.br/geoserver/ows

SICAR

Provides access to the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) polygons for each Brazilian state, including both canceled and pending records. Add as a WFS service.

https://geoserver.car.gov.br/geoserver/sicar/wms

Bing

Provides Bing satellite imagery. Add as an XYZ Tile service.

http://ecn.t3.tiles.virtualearth.net/tiles/a%7Bq%7D.jpeg?g=1

Google Earth

Provides Google Earth satellite imagery and mosaics. Add as an XYZ Tile service.

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=s&x=%7Bx%7D&y=%7By%7D&z=%7Bz%7D

Google Maps

Allows Google Maps visualization directly within QGIS. Add as an XYZ Tile service.

https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=m&x=%7Bx%7D&y=%7By%7D&z=%7Bz%7D

OpenStreetMap

Allows OpenStreetMap visualization directly within QGIS. Add as an XYZ Tile service.

https://tile.openstreetmap.org/{z}/{x}/{y}.png

Mapzen Global Terrain

Provides terrain imagery and geomorphological features for topographic analysis. Add as an XYZ Tile service.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/elevation-tiles-prod/terrarium/{z}/{x}/{y}.png