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Bing basemaps? Custom basemaps?

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11-11-2021 12:15 PM
BrianBaldwin
Esri Regular Contributor
3 1 1,603

The workflow for adding custom basemaps (Bing) in this case to ArcGIS Online (and Pro) has not changed much in the past few years, but it has changed enough to warrant a better walk-through.

This is a basic walk-through to help users get Bing basemaps added to their organization.

1) Get a Bing basemaps key

You can go to this Microsoft link and sign up for a free developer account to get access to a Bing maps key: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/maps/licensing

There are also (quite generous) accounts for education usage.

After getting an account, start by creating a new key:

Bing Maps API.png

 Copy the key:

Bing Maps Copy Key.png

2) Create Custom Basemap Group

In ArcGIS Online, if you haven't already, you need to create a custom group to house your custom basemaps. Create a new group and call it 'Custom Basemaps', or 'Maps of the Base', or anything.

Then, under your organizational settings, under the 'map' section, select your new group as the location of your custom basemaps and then click the 'Share Basemaps' button as well.

custom-basemap-group.png

3) Enter your Bing key in ArcGIS Online

Under your organizational settings, in the map section. There is a space to enter your Bing maps key. Enter the key and hit save.

map-bing-settings.png

4) Create Bing basemap

To create your Bing basemap, you will need to use the Classic Map Viewer.

Launch the Classic Map Viewer, and choose 'Add Layer from Web' 

add-layer-from-web.png

At the bottom of the dropdown list, choose 'Bing Basemap' and select the type of basemap you want to use.

add-layer.png

Now, you need to save your map.

save-map.png

After saving the map, share it with the new basemap group you created and share it with the organization (or keep it all to yourself).

share-with-group.png

Now, when any user goes to add a basemap in ArcGIS Pro or the Map Viewers, they will have the new Bing basemap as an option.

bing-base-map.png

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About the Author
Brian works as a Lead Engineer at Esri to support customers in Education. Brian has worked as a lecturer in GIS, supported non-profits through his community planning work, and honestly just loves working with users to help solve their geospatial quandaries!