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Basemaps

Learn how to choose the right basemap for your Swyvl project.

Updated today

What is a Basemap?

A basemap is the background layer that appears beneath your data on the map. It provides visual context such as streets, terrain, buildings, or satellite imagery — helping you align and understand your spatial data more easily.

Available Basemap Options

Swyvl offers three built-in basemaps:

  1. OpenStreetMap

    • A lightweight, open-source map style

    • Great for fast loading and simple backgrounds

    • Best for general use and data-focused projects

  2. Google 3D Tiles

    • Realistic 3D terrain and building models

    • Ideal for urban environments or elevation-sensitive data

    • Note: Some Data Items may appear beneath the terrain — test which basemap works best for your use case

  3. Google Satellite Imagery

    • High-resolution aerial imagery

    • Useful for visual site context and detailed planning

How to Select or Change a Basemap

  1. Open your Project in the Builder

  2. In the Sidebar, open the Basemap section

  3. Use the dropdown to choose:

    • OpenStreetMap

    • Google 3D Tiles

    • Google Satellite Imagery

Your map will update immediately with the selected style.

Important Notes About Google 3D Tiles

  • Items placed at ground level may appear under terrain in some areas — adjust height or draping if needed

  • If you’re using Swyvl’s default Google 3D Tiles access, usage is subject to our Acceptable Use Policy, including fair use limitations

🔗 View Acceptable Use Policy

Using Your Own Google 3D Tiles API Key

If your Organization has its own Google Maps Platform account, you can provide your own API key for Google 3D Tiles.

This allows:

  • Greater usage flexibility (beyond Swyvl’s fair use limits)

  • Project-level billing and quota control under your own Google account

How to Get Your Google 3D Tiles API Key

  1. Go to the Google Cloud Console:
    Visit the Google Cloud Console.

  2. Create a New Project:

    • Click the project dropdown in the header.

    • Select "New Project" to create a new one if needed.

  3. Enable the Map Tiles API:

    • Navigate to the APIs & Services Library.

    • Search for "Map Tiles API" and enable it for your project.

  4. Set Up Billing:
    Configure a billing profile to activate your API key.

  5. Generate Your API Key:

    • Go to the "Keys & Credentials" page.

    • Copy your newly created API key for later use.

  6. Restrict Your API Key (Optional but Recommended):

    • Restrict the key to Swyvl usage only (e.g., https://build.swyvl.io).

    • Set restrictions to ensure security and prevent unauthorized usage.

  7. Understand Quotas and Costs:

    • The Map Tiles API operates on a pay-as-you-go model.

    • Your first $200 of usage is free each month. For more details, visit Google Maps Platform Billing.

Adding Your API Key to Swyvl

  1. Navigate to Workspace Settings:

    • Go to your Workspace dashboard in Swyvl.

    • Open the Settings menu.

  2. Enter Your API Key:

    • Locate the Google 3D Tiles API Key field.

    • Paste your copied API key into this field.

  3. Save Changes:

    • Click Save to apply your settings.

    • The Google 3D Tiles basemap will now be available for use across all projects in the Workspace.

Note: If when adding your API key you receive a warning 'Could not verify API key', remove the restriction to the domain https://build.swyvl.io in the Google Cloud Console. We have noticed that some new accounts don't work with this option enabled.

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