topic Colors for basemap in ArcGIS JavaScript Maps SDK Questions

Colors for basemap

DonMorgan — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:35:37 GMT

I am in the process of learning the javascript API and ArcGIS. My knowledge base is growing slowly and I have been able to start building a map that will hopefully be my final solution. I really need to modify the background color of the basemap. I am using the streets basemap. I can't figure out what I need to do to change it's background color. I'm sure it's an easy fix but so far I have not been able to find the right solution in the documentation. Can someone suggest how I go about making this happen? Even a reference to the proper documentation would be great. Thanks for your time and assistance.

Re: Colors for basemap

Noah-Sager — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:04:08 GMT

Hi Don,

Welcome to Esri Forums! Thank you for posting your question here.

I don't think it is possible to modify the background color of an ArcGIS Online basemap. I assume you are referring to the standard basemaps set in the map constructor? One option for you would be to publish your own custom tiled map service as a basemap in ArcMap.

Another option, probably less desirable, would be to set the transparency of the basemap using the ArcGISTiledMapServiceLayer class, so that another layer may show through more easily.

Hope this helps!

-Noah

Re: Colors for basemap

JeffPace — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:16:16 GMT

unfortunately, because the basemaps are prerendered tiles, you cannot override the colors.

You can either modify your overlay to be better seen, or build your own basemap

As a last resort, you could access the url of the rest endpoint of the streetmap as a dynamiclayer, and use layerdrawingoptions to override the individual layers (not even sure this is allowed on the basemap)

However if you choose the last resort, rendering will be SLOW AS DIRT.

Re: Colors for basemap

DonMorgan — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:41:46 GMT

Thank you both for your responses. I certainly don't want to slow the web page down any more than I have to. The website is way to busy for that. For the moment I'll work around the issue. But I think a custom base map will be the eventual solution.

I really hate asking these dumb questions but sometimes you have to spend hours and even days finding the obvious (to folks experienced with the api) answers to the simple questions.

Re: Colors for basemap

Noah-Sager — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:45:17 GMT

No worries Don, it's good to ask questions. This forum is for users of all levels, so your question here may help another user in the future.

Also, please feel free to mark any posts as helpful (up arrow) or answers (checkmark) to your original question.

Re: Colors for basemap

JeffPace — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:10:49 GMT

We are happy to help.

I find that most users try to conform to the out of the box offerings (basemaps, etc..) and as they get more experienced in the api eventually migrate to custom products.