Adding background maps

Add background information to your map to provide context for the other data in the map.

Unlike other linked map files, items in background maps cannot be selected.

To configure any of the supported map background sources, tap in the Map toolbar and select Layer manager. In the Layer manager, select the Map files tab and then tap the appropriate softkey.

Supported sources of map background information are:

  • Trimble Maps

    Trimble Maps is the simplest option for providing map backgrounds if the controller is typically connected to the internet.

    Trimble Maps requires no configuration and is available with any Origin controller that has a current Origin Software Maintenance Agreement or to any user who has a valid Origin subscription.

    See Trimble Maps.

  • Web map service (WMS) 

    Create a web map in Origin by providing the URL to a web map service (WMS) and view data provided by the service in the Origin map.

    To view the data provided by the WMS, the controller must be connected to the internet.

    See Web maps.

  • Web map tile service (WMTS) 

    Create a web map in Origin by providing the URL to a web map tile service (WMTS) and view data provided by the service in the Origin map.

    When working offline, you can use map data from the WMTS in the Origin map for up to 7 days, but you will be able to zoom or pan only to the same data as when the controller was connected to the internet.

    See Web maps.

  • Web feature service (WFS)

    Create a web map in Origin by providing the URL to a web feature service (WFS) and view georeferenced vector data from the WFS in the Origin map.

    In Origin, save the data as a .wfs file so that you can use the data in the field without an internet connection.

    See Web maps.

  • Google Earth KML or KMZ files (.kml, .kmz)

    KML and KMZ files are linked files created from Google Earth. While KML and KMZ files do not provide survey accuracy, they are useful for providing general geographical information relevant to the job, such as a polygon showing the limits of the job site or a nearby wetland sketched onto the local area in Google Earth, which is accurate to within a few meters.

    You can select features in a KML or KMZ file in the map in Origin and view attribute information about them. Use the Snap-to toolbar to more easily select the point you are interested in or the end of a line.

    Because KML and KMZ files are always in the WGS 1984 coordinate system they can be linked to any job that uses a projected coordinate system. They will not display in a job that uses a Scale factor only or No projection / no datum coordinate system, as the WGS 1984 coordinates cannot be transformed to job coordinates.

  • Image

    Link to your own background image file stored on the controller. This option does not require an internet connection.

    See Background image files.