Connect to OGC-compliant geospatial servers to import map layers from external services. Atlas supports WMS, WMTS, WFS, and WCS protocols with automatic service detection.
Service Types
WMS (Web Map Service) delivers map images like basemaps and satellite imagery. Use for pre-styled visual layers.
WMTS (Web Map Tile Service) serves pre-rendered map tiles. Faster than WMS due to caching. Best for basemaps.
WFS (Web Feature Service) provides vector data with attributes. Use when you need to style, query, or edit features.
WCS (Web Coverage Service) delivers raw raster data like elevation or temperature grids. Use for analysis and calculations.
Connect to a Service
- Click Add layer in the Layers panel
- Go to the Connections tab
- Select Web Map Services
- Enter the OGC service URL
- Click Connect
Atlas automatically detects the service type and lists available layers.
Example URLs
WMS: https://example.com/geoserver/wms?service=WMS&request=GetCapabilities
WMTS: https://example.com/geoserver/gwc/service/wmts?REQUEST=GetCapabilities
WFS: https://example.com/geoserver/wfs?service=WFS&request=GetCapabilities
WCS: https://example.com/geoserver/wcs?service=WCS&request=GetCapabilities
Add Layers
- Browse the list of available layers
- Select the layers you want
- Click Add to Project
WFS layers imports as vector data. WMS/WMTS layers stream tiles from the server.
Troubleshooting
Invalid URL: Verify the URL is correct and includes the GetCapabilities endpoint.
Authentication Required: Check if the service requires authentication.
CORS Error: The server must enable CORS headers. Contact the service administrator.
Slow Loading: Zoom in to reduce tile requests. Use WMTS instead of WMS for better performance.
Wrong Location: Check that the service supports EPSG:3857 or EPSG:4326 coordinate systems.
Common Providers
Government agencies like USGS, NASA, and NOAA offer free OGC services with satellite imagery, elevation data, and climate datasets. Check your local GIS department for regional data.
