Enabling Google Maps Integration in ArcGIS as a Portable BaseMap Server

Google Maps is a popular online mapping service that provides high-quality imagery and basemaps. ArcGIS is a GIS software platform that allows users to create, manage, and analyze spatial data. By integrating Google Maps with ArcGIS, users can create maps that combine the best of both worlds: the imagery and basemaps of Google Maps with the analysis and editing capabilities of ArcGIS.

There are two ways to integrate Google Maps with ArcGIS:

• Using a Google Maps API Extension: This is the official way to integrate Google Maps with ArcGIS. However, it requires a paid subscription to the Google Maps API.
• Using a Portable Basemap Server: This is a free and open-source tool that allows you to use Google Maps as a basemap in ArcGIS.

In this article, we will show you how to use a Portable Basemap Server to integrate Google Maps with ArcGIS.

Prerequisites:

• ArcGIS Desktop
• Portable Basemap Server (PBS)

Steps:

1. Download and install the PBS software.
2. Start the PBS software.
3. In the PBS software, click on the “Add New Service” button.
4. In the “Add New Service” dialog box, select “Google Maps Imagery” as the service type.
5. Click on the “Next” button.
6. In the “Service Configuration” dialog box, specify the desired map extent and zoom level.
7. Click on the “Finish” button.

The PBS software will now create a WMTS service that you can use as a basemap in ArcGIS.

To add the Google Maps basemap to ArcGIS, follow these steps:

1. Open ArcGIS Desktop.
2. In the Catalog pane, right-click on the “GIS Servers” folder and select “Add WMTS Server”.
3. In the “Add WMTS Server” dialog box, paste the URL of the WMTS service that you created in the PBS software.
4. Click on the “OK” button.

The Google Maps basemap will now be added to the Catalog pane. You can drag and drop it onto your map to use it as a basemap.

Note: The Google Maps basemap that you create using the PBS software is for non-commercial use only. If you need to use Google Maps for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a subscription to the Google Maps API.

I hope this article was helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.