3 Tools to Custom Style a Basemap

Data Analysis 1 Minute

Everyone from large companies to small businesses uses online maps. While mapping interfaces are the foundation of companies like Uber, GrubHub, and Starbucks, a company of every size use maps to embed their location on their. However, most of them use the generic Google Maps location that shows up by default. In order to customize your brand even further, you can customize the color and style of the map too.

Here are three tools use to custom style a map.

1. ArcGIS Developer

Using ArcGIS Developer Vector Tile Style Editor is fairly straight forward. There are multiple base map options that can be customized, and access to the customization page is straightforward.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Can embed with few steps in other ArcGIS Online maps
  • Easy to share the map online
  • Shows changes at scale in one window

Cons:

  • Requires an Esri license
  • Not easy to embed in maps that are not local to ArcGIS Online
  • Not as customizable as other options

Example: Check out a custom basemap I created in ArcGIS Developer based on the Princess Bride on ArcGIS Online.

2. Google Style Editor

Using the Google Maps Styling Editor is quick and easy. You can edit the base map under the Advanced options. Each area color needs to be changed under Features/Element.

Pros:

  • Free
  • User friendly interface
  • Multiple options
  • Easy style export

Cons:

  • Imprinting the customization requires use of APIs
  • Custom styling can take a while without the ability to copy and paste Hex codes (specific to Windows)
  • Customization at scale is limited; cannot change what is shown at level of “zoom”

Example: Here’s an example of a Google Maps API style I created on my GIS Portfolio.

3. Mapbox Style Guide

Using the Mapbox Studio Styles Editor is simple for quick, global changes, but comes with deep depths of built in customization capabilities. Style can be customized as much or as little as you want.

Pros:

  • Free or low cost
  • Highly customizable by scale (different colors can be seen at different levels of zoom)

Cons:

  • Can be challenging for novice users to integrate in other maps platforms (thankfully, there are tutorials)
  • Customization options could be challenging for novice users

Example: Here’s an example of a custom map I created with Mapbox Styles on my GIS Portfolio.

Published by sreed

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