<p>Create detailed hillshading anywhere on earth with the MapTiler Plugin and the latest version of QGIS, 3.26 Buenos Aires.</p><p>All you need is a free MapTiler Cloud account, version 3.26 of QGIS, and the MapTiler plugin. The plugin provides access to the Terrain RGB layer and a range of other vector and raster basemaps.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="btn btn-primary m-o5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cloud.maptiler.com/">CREATE AN ACCOUNT</a> <a class="btn btn-lighter m-o5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408609607825-How-to-print-and-show-vector-tiles-in-QGIS-via-MapTiler-plugin">HOW TO USE THE PLUGIN</a></p><h2>QGIS Hillshades at multiple scales</h2><p>Hillshades made with the plugin look great for whole mountain ranges but are detailed enough to pick out gorges and volcanic craters. The data has a 30m resolution, and with the early resampling now available from MapTiler’s collaboration with Lutra Consulting you can now zoom in without the pixelation that occurred in earlier versions of QGIS.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_2_bf93ab3294.jpg" alt="2022-06-27-detailed-hillshading-anywhere-in-the-world-2.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_2_bf93ab3294.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_2_bf93ab3294.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_2_bf93ab3294.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_2_bf93ab3294.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Add the Terrain RGB layer to any map in QGIS and use the Hillshading renderer to make the landscape appear on your map. Hillshading can be found in the styling panel for terrain layers, just use the dropdown menu to change from the default Singleband to Hillshading.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/723641875?background=1&amp;#t=0s"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/723641875?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p>I recommend using the following settings to make the landforms stand out:</p><ul><li><strong>Z Factor:</strong> 1.5 - to boost the effect</li><li><strong>Multidirectional:</strong> tick - to make a much more realistic hillshade</li><li><strong>Blending mode:</strong> Multiply - to add light and shadows without hiding the other layers</li><li><strong>Brightness and Contrast:</strong> Adjust them up to suit your layers</li><li><strong>Early resampling:</strong> tick - ensures the effect doesn’t pixelate as you zoom in.</li></ul><h2>Better maps for outdoor activities</h2><p>The Outdoor and Winter layers available in the Plugin also benefit from the new hillshading. Not only do these layers look better than ever, you can modify the hillshading element to boost the effect or make it more subtle depending on how you want your map to look.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_3_8c2fecfa9a.jpg" alt="2022-06-27-detailed-hillshading-anywhere-in-the-world-3.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_3_8c2fecfa9a.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_3_8c2fecfa9a.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_3_8c2fecfa9a.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_3_8c2fecfa9a.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></p><h3>Global contour lines</h3><p>Terrain RGB does not provide only great hillshading. You can use it for contours as well using the contour renderer.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_4_3a51eb845e.jpg" alt="2022-06-27-detailed-hillshading-anywhere-in-the-world-4.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_4_3a51eb845e.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_4_3a51eb845e.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_4_3a51eb845e.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_06_27_detailed_hillshading_anywhere_in_the_world_4_3a51eb845e.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Use the same drop-down menu on the styling panel as you did with hillshading to change the rendering.</p><h3>Master QGIS Hillshading Techniques at FOSS4G 2022</h3><p>We will be running a workshop at FOSS4G 2022 Firenze, where you can learn more about making beautiful hillshades in QGIS: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://talks.osgeo.org/foss4g-2022-workshops/talk/UFCLHJ/">QGIS &amp; MapTiler Workshop</a>. As one of the sponsors of FOSS4G we also have a stand there. Make sure you drop by and find out more about our Cloud, Data, Server, and other products and opensource projects.</p><h3>Setting up the plugin</h3><p>Here is a quick 4 step guide to setting up the MapTiler Plugin:</p><ol><li>Get a MapTiler cloud account, they are free to set up and use for non-commercial purposes. Use the following link to sign up or sign in; the process is very simple and only takes a few minutes: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cloud.maptiler.com/">Create Account</a>.</li><li>Go to your MapTiler Cloud <strong>Account</strong> page, and click <strong>Credentials</strong> on the left of the interface. Click on the <strong>New Credential</strong> button and copy the token (keep this token private – treat it the same way as a password).</li></ol><p><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_27af2a65eb.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-6.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_27af2a65eb.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_27af2a65eb.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_27af2a65eb.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_27af2a65eb.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></p><ol start="3"><li>In the MapTiler plugin, paste this token into the account dialog:</li></ol><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:44.7%;" src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_7_b75d086189.png" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-7.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_7_b75d086189.png 220w," sizes="100vw" width="220px"></p><ol start="4"><li>After you paste your token, it is saved in your QGIS Authentication database, which you can control using the Authentication manager in the QGIS <strong>Options…</strong> menu.</li></ol><p>If you haven’t used QGIS Authentication manager before, QGIS will ask you for a master authentication password. The master password is used to protect all your connection details and is used by other plugins such as Mergin. You can find out more here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.qgis.org/latest/en/docs/user_manual/auth_system/auth_overview.html">QGIS Docs: Authentication Overview</a></p><h2>More about the MapTiler Plugin for QGIS</h2><ul><li><a href="/qgis-plugin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The MapTiler Plugin homepage</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020806857-MapTiler-QGIS-plugin">What is the MapTiler QGIS plugin</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408609607825-How-to-print-and-show-vector-tiles-in-QGIS-via-MapTiler-plugin">How to use the MapTiler plugin</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/4410789178129-MapTiler-QGIS-plugin-supported-expressions">MapTiler QGIS plugin - supported expressions</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://talks.osgeo.org/foss4g-2022-workshops/talk/UFCLHJ/">Book your place at the FOSS4G 2022 Workshop</a></li></ul>

New version of MapTiler QGIS Plugin 3.0 with detailed global terrain, contour lines, hillshading, and maps using these terrain data for outdoor activities.

<p>We have updated the MapTiler QGIS Plugin to version 3.0. The plugin has even more maps, including a fully functional terrain layer. The plugin is one of the easiest ways to get vector basemaps into QGIS from the cloud. Now we have added a terrain layer in a way that allows you to use it like a terrain data file on your hard drive!</p><p>All you need to get started is a free MapTiler Cloud account and the latest version of QGIS, 3.24 Tisler, with the plugin. The MapTiler plugin provides access to fantastic vector and raster basemaps. The best bit is that you can customize these basemaps using QGIS’s powerful cartographic functionality.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="btn btn-primary m-o5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cloud.maptiler.com/">CREATE AN ACCOUNT</a> <a class="btn btn-lighter m-o5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408609607825-How-to-print-and-show-vector-tiles-in-QGIS-via-MapTiler-plugin">HOW TO USE THE PLUGIN</a></p><h2>Terrain basemaps in QGIS</h2><p><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_2_708bf3b7e5.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-2.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_2_708bf3b7e5.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_2_708bf3b7e5.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_2_708bf3b7e5.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_2_708bf3b7e5.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">With a few simple clicks, you can now add a digital elevation model (DEM) for the entire planet. You can use the layer for hillshading, hypsometry, analytical applications, and even 3D terrain modeling.</p><p>Before the release of QGIS 3.24 it was not possible to access data like the <a href="/news/2019/03/rgb-encoded-elevation-data-in-maptiler-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Terrain RGB Tiles</a> provided as part of the MapTiler Cloud service. To put this right, we teamed up with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.lutraconsulting.co.uk/">Lutra Consulting</a> to enable QGIS to do this. Now, the community has benefited from the development and the plugin can give easy access to our terrain data!</p><p>Lutra Consulting is one of the core QGIS contributor, with expertise in delivering <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.lutraconsulting.co.uk/blog/2016/10/26/qgis-xyz-tile-wmts-preview/">XYZ, WMTS and vector tiles support to QGIS</a>. MapTiler have previously collaborated with Lutra delivering <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.lutraconsulting.co.uk/blog/2020/06/10/vectortiles-part1/">Vector tiles</a> via the MapTiler plugin.</p><h2>New vector basemaps for QGIS</h2><p>Along with all the styles in the previous version of the plugin, there are three new ones now available. You can use the Browser toolbar to add the most frequently used maps with a single click. If you right-click on the Plugin title you can access more from your MapTiler Cloud account.</p><h3>OpenStreetMap style vector tiles</h3><p><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_3_4d38c7e000.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-3.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_3_4d38c7e000.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_3_4d38c7e000.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_3_4d38c7e000.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_3_4d38c7e000.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Customize OpenStreetMap by adding the vector tiles from the plugin with a few clicks. You can then edit the cartography from the symbology pane like a regular vector layer. The maps are based on the popular OSM Carto styling, and now you can make changes in the QGIS environment.</p><h3>Winter basemaps</h3><p><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_4_8ec5409e46.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-4.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_4_8ec5409e46.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_4_8ec5409e46.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_4_8ec5409e46.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_4_8ec5409e46.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Map the routes you took while out skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, or other winter activities. Add your GPS track data onto our new Winter basemap in QGIS. The basemap shows ski-resorts with chair-lifts, gondolas, and ski runs. You can even see ski areas shown colored by their difficulty. Hillshading gives you an idea of the terrain, and there is even avalanche information marked on the map. Points of interest such as bars and restaurants come in handy after a day of skiing.</p><p>The Winter map is available if you <strong>right-click</strong> on the Plugin, select <strong>Add new map…</strong> then go to the <strong>MapTiler Cloud</strong> tab.</p><h3>Satellite basemaps</h3><p><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_5_4a082d607d.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-5.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_5_4a082d607d.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_5_4a082d607d.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_5_4a082d607d.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_5_4a082d607d.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">We have added our beautiful new satellite imagery as a layer to the plugin. Now you can show your data along with the stunning natural beauty of planet earth. The previous version, which included OpenStreetMap roads, is now called Satellite Hybrid.</p><p>To access the hybrid layer <strong>right-click</strong> on the Plugin, select <strong>Add new map…</strong> and go to the <strong>MapTiler Cloud</strong> tab.</p><h2>Improved security</h2><p>We have made the plugin more secure by using tokens instead of API keys to authorize your account. The token is encrypted and isn’t exposed when creating webmaps or sharing QGIS projects. This makes the plugin more secure and prevents others from misusing your account.</p><h3>Getting your token</h3><p>First, you will need a MapTiler cloud account which are free to set up and use for non-commercial purposes. Use the following link to sign up or sign in; the process is very simple and only takes a few minutes: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cloud.maptiler.com/">Create Account</a>. Once signed in, go to your MapTiler Cloud <strong>Account</strong> page, and click <strong>Credentials</strong> on the left of the interface. Click on the <strong>New Credential</strong> button and copy the token (keep this token private – treat it the same way as a password).<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_1_d4ba5d9c73.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-6 (1).jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_1_d4ba5d9c73.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_1_d4ba5d9c73.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_1_d4ba5d9c73.jpg 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_6_1_d4ba5d9c73.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">In the MapTiler plugin, paste this token into the account dialog…<br><img class="image_resized" style="width:31.9%;" src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_7_1_5607801c09.png" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-7 (1).png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_7_1_5607801c09.png 220w," sizes="100vw" width="220px"><br>After you paste your token, it is saved in your QGIS Authentication database, which you can control using the Authentication manager in the QGIS <strong>Options…</strong> menu.&nbsp;</p><p>If you haven’t used QGIS Authentication manager before, QGIS will ask you for a master authentication password. The master password is used to protect all your connection details and is used by other plugins such as Mergin. You can find out more here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.qgis.org/3.16/en/docs/user_manual/auth_system/auth_overview.html#authentication-database">QGIS Docs: Authentication Database</a><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_8_6417e7ff58.png" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-8.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_8_6417e7ff58.png 185w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_8_6417e7ff58.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_8_6417e7ff58.png 750w," sizes="100vw" width="750px">Don’t worry if you already have maps set up with the API key, they will continue to work!</p><h2>Helpful messaging</h2><p>Finally, we have also implemented more helpful messages passed through from MapTiler to QGIS. So if a map doesn’t load due to an expired or invalid Token you get this information and a link to where it can be fixed, rather than a generic fail message.</p><p><img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_9_daa9511109.jpg" alt="2022-02-22-global-terrain-basemap-for-qgis-9.jpg" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_9_daa9511109.jpg 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_9_daa9511109.jpg 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2022_02_22_global_terrain_basemap_for_qgis_9_daa9511109.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="750px"></p><h2>More about the MapTiler Plugin for QGIS</h2><ul><li><a href="/qgis-plugin/">The MapTiler Plugin homepage</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020806857-MapTiler-QGIS-plugin">What is the MapTiler QGIS plugin</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408609607825-How-to-print-and-show-vector-tiles-in-QGIS-via-MapTiler-plugin">How to use the MapTiler plugin</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documentation.maptiler.com/hc/en-us/articles/4410789178129-MapTiler-QGIS-plugin-supported-expressions">MapTiler QGIS plugin - supported expressions</a></li></ul>

Details of MapTiler QGIS Plugin 3.0 with a global terrain basemap and customizable OpenStreetMap vector tiles.

<p>The new version 2.0 of MapTiler QGIS Plugin was released. The first version of the plugin was written in Python and released as open-source last year. We are happy to see that our source code was ported into QGIS C++ core with some improvements.</p><p>The new version of the MapTiler plugin takes advantage of the rewritten code and pushes our maps from MapTiler Cloud almost to perfection. Our maps in Cloud contain data of the entire planet, with details down to the street level, thanks to the OpenStreetMap project and community. But you are not limited just to our Cloud.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_2_990d75fe15.png" alt="2021-09-23-vector-basemaps-in-qgis-2.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_2_990d75fe15.png 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_2_990d75fe15.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_2_990d75fe15.png 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_2_990d75fe15.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"><i>Load these and many other map styles directly from MapTiler Cloud</i></p><h2>Open vector tile style from any URL</h2><p>MapTiler plugin is the easiest way how to add any complex vector tile map hosted anywhere on the Internet into your QGIS project. Enjoy the comfort of adding your style.json with multiple sources in just a single click.</p><h2>Add context to your map with icons</h2><p>Version 2.0 is packed with a lot of visual improvements. Labels, line width, color interpretation, opacity setting, and many other small enhancements make the maps better. However, the biggest improvements are map symbols. The first version suffered from a lack of possibility to display icons. The new version handles them with ease.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876434378?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876434378?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><h2>Let users understand your map</h2><p>Having place names in a local language can significantly improve how users understand the map. Use <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.maptiler.com/cloud/customize/">Customize</a> in Cloud option from the MapTiler plugin menu to choose from more than 50 languages and customize the language of the map to suit your needs.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_4_d879a6ac07.png" alt="2021-09-23-vector-basemaps-in-qgis-4.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_4_d879a6ac07.png 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_4_d879a6ac07.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_4_d879a6ac07.png 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_4_d879a6ac07.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876434352?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876434352?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><h2>New Outdoor style in QGIS</h2><p>In MapTiler, we all are outdoor enthusiasts. That’s why we recently announced a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.maptiler.com/maps/outdoor/">Outdoor map style</a>. Hiking trails, biking routes, points of interest, landcover, hillshade, and contour lines, everything you wish for in a good outdoor map is now available in QGIS as a base map for planning your adventure.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_6_3c61cb04eb.png" alt="2021-09-23-vector-basemaps-in-qgis-6.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_6_3c61cb04eb.png 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_6_3c61cb04eb.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_6_3c61cb04eb.png 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2021_09_23_vector_basemaps_in_qgis_6_3c61cb04eb.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></p><h2>High DPI print as the main benefit of vector maps</h2><p>The previous version of the plugin brought to QGIS high-quality vector maps. However, few issues were identified when printing in high DPI or on retina displays. The new version solved all those issues and you can print maps in high resolution. Set high DPI, print or export your map to PDF, and zoom in deeply to inspect the level of sharpness. Even though our raster tiles are optimized for serving, you can never get such detail as with vectors.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876434396?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876434396?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p>We also prepared a new basemap allowing <a href="/attribution-free-map/">attribution-free print-out</a>.Keep in mind that for printing maps or exporting from MapTiler Cloud you must have a commercial plan, see <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.maptiler.com/terms/">terms and conditions</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.maptiler.com/#contact">contact our sales</a>.</p><h2>Download/upgrade the plugin for free</h2><p>Learn more about the plugin or get it by searching <i>maptiler</i> in the plugin service in QGIS. Installing the plugin is straightforward:</p><ol><li>Open QGIS</li><li>Click on the menu Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins…</li><li>Search for maptiler</li><li>Click on the Install Plugin (Reinstall, if you already have the old version installed)</li><li>Restart QGIS</li><li>Right-click on the MapTiler plugin → Account…</li><li>Follow the link after Get a FREE key Now, just add the key and start loading maps.</li></ol><h2>Open-source code on GitHub</h2><p>The MapTiler plugin for QGIS is released under an open-source license on GitHub. Feel free to report issues or send pull requests!</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a href="/qgis-plugin/">maptiler.com/qgis-plugin/</a></li><li><a href="/news/2020/06/say-hello-to-the-new-qgis-plugin/">maptiler.com/news/2020/06/say-hello-to-the-new-qgis-plugin/</a></li><li><a href="/news/2020/06/vector-tiles-in-qgis-3-14/">maptiler.com/news/2020/06/vector-tiles-in-qgis-3-14/</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYNVwGHOCAg">youtube.com/watch?v=BYNVwGHOCAg</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/maptiler/qgis-maptiler-plugin/">github.com/maptiler/qgis-maptiler-plugin/</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

The new version of the MapTiler plugin pushes our maps from MapTiler Cloud almost to perfection

<p>The new QGIS 3.14 version adds support for the native loading of vector tiles. The easiest way to load them is via the <a href="/news/2020/06/say-hello-to-the-new-qgis-plugin/">recently released plugin</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2>New plugin with vector tiles&nbsp;maps</h2><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876423540?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876423540?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p>One of the most important new features in QGIS 3.14 is the built-in support for vector tiles. The <a href="/qgis-plugin/">MapTiler plugin</a> allows anybody to easily load map data of the entire planet, with details down to the street level.The plugin automatically <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cloud.maptiler.com/maps/">loads maps from MapTiler Cloud</a> in vector or raster tiles, but can also open maps from any other URL.</p><h2>Print vector maps in high-resolution</h2><p>For the very first time, high-quality maps of the entire world can be printed in QGIS so easily. You don’t need to care about DPI settings, because vector tiles behave as any other vector-based technology and scale infinitely with the same resolution.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_3_4f73dd41b6.png" alt="2020-06-19-vector-tiles-in-qgis-3-14-3.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_3_4f73dd41b6.png 236w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_3_4f73dd41b6.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_3_4f73dd41b6.png 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_3_4f73dd41b6.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">If you don’t have a large format printer at hand, export your map into PDF and zoom in deeply to inspect the level of sharpness.</p><h2>Styling the vector&nbsp;data</h2><p>A ready-to-use list of beautiful map styles is available to QGIS users. Those who prefer customized maps can make their own map design in a few clicks using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support.maptiler.com/i29-make-own-map-design">Customize tool</a>. Users can set their own colors, fonts, or choose the language of map labels.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876423741?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876423741?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p>For power users, there is the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support.maptiler.com/i30-edit-style-advanced-changing-of-the-map">Edit tool</a>, with advanced functionality to allow the addition of one’s own data and the manipulation of layers.All map styles from the MapTiler Cloud, including user-customized ones, are translated to QGIS styling. This allows you to use the styling editor in QGIS and give your maps a final touch-up.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876423572?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876423572?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><h2>Anywhere on Earth, in high&nbsp;detail</h2><p>The MapTiler plugin for QGIS allows users to load maps of the entire world (from the OpenStreetMap project), maps from official government data in the Netherlands (Kadaster maps via Cartiqo), the United Kingdom (Ordnance Survey Open Zoomstack) and Japan (GSI data), high-resolution aerial imagery, hillshading, contour line, and much more.</p><p>Geospatial data of any size can be uploaded to MapTiler Cloud and served to QGIS via MapTiler plugin.<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_9_0f69c47135.png" alt="2020-06-19-vector-tiles-in-qgis-3-14-9.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_9_0f69c47135.png 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_9_0f69c47135.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_9_0f69c47135.png 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_9_0f69c47135.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px">Maps appear quickly, thanks to the tiles technology for both raster and vector data. The high speed of delivery is also reached because maps are cached on more than 150 CDN servers on five continents.</p><h2>The coordinate system of your&nbsp;choice&nbsp;</h2><p>A huge advantage of vector tiles compared to raster tiles is flexibility. Reprojecting to any coordinate system inside QGIS doesn’t impact the visual appeal of the map tiles. All labels rotate accordingly, warped objects stay sharp, and much more!</p><p>You can reproject maps into any coordinate system: the default Mercator, French Lambert, Dutch RD-new, or global WGS84 to name a few.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/877544235?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/877544235?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><h2>Export rasters, vector images, or CAD&nbsp;files</h2><p>All maps can be exported as images in GeoTIFF, PNG, or compressed JPEG, for use on the web or in raster graphics editors like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.</p><p>For vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, exports in SVG and PDF formats are available.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://vimeo.com/876423711?share=copy"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/876423711?background=1" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure><p>Exporting to CAD software like AutoCAD and others is possible via DWG and DXF formats.Before making exports, print, or republishing, <a href="/#contact">please contact us</a>.</p><h2>Download the plugin for&nbsp;free</h2><p>Learn more about the plugin or get it by searching <i>maptiler</i> in the plugin service in QGIS.&nbsp;</p><p>Installing the plugin is straightforward:</p><ol><li>Open QGIS&nbsp;</li><li>Click on the menu <i>Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins…</i></li><li>Search for <i>maptiler</i></li><li>Click on the <i>Install Plugin</i></li><li>Restart QGIS</li><li>Right-click on the MapTiler plugin → <i>Account…</i></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://maptiler.link/qgiskeys">Follow the link</a> after <i>Get a FREE key</i></li></ol><p>Now, just add the key and start loading maps. Enjoy :-)<img src="https://media.maptiler.com/img/2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_6_92cc9894cd.png" alt="2020-06-19-vector-tiles-in-qgis-3-14-6.png" srcset="https://media.maptiler.com/img/thumbnail_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_6_92cc9894cd.png 245w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/small_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_6_92cc9894cd.png 500w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/medium_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_6_92cc9894cd.png 750w,https://media.maptiler.com/img/large_2020_06_19_vector_tiles_in_qgis_3_14_6_92cc9894cd.png 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1000px"></p><h2>Big thanks to the open-source community!</h2><p>The development is happening on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/maptiler/qgis-maptiler-plugin">GitHub</a>. Feel free to report any issue or send a pull request, community feedback is welcomed!</p><p>We want to acknowledge people who made all this possible, namely <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/wonder-sk">Martin Dobias</a> from Lutra Consulting, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/Kanahiro">Kanahiro Iguchi</a> from MIERUNE. Thank you!</p>

The new QGIS 3.14 version adds support for the native loading of vector tiles. The easiest way to load them is via the recently released plugin.

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Adam is a proud member of the Data team. He graduated with excellence in Geoinformatics. During his studies, he participated in Google Summer of Code. Since then, he’s been an enthusiast for open-source and has contributed to several projects. He is always keen on learning new technologies, but he believes there is no problem you couldn’t fix with Python, PostGIS, and enough duct tape.

He loves night rides on his fixed-gear bike and plays Ultimate Frisbee. If there isn’t any tournament on the weekend, you will probably find him hiking in the mountains.

Adam Laza

Detailed hillshading anywhere in the world!

Global terrain basemap for QGIS

Vector basemaps in QGIS

Vector tiles in QGIS 3.14