Visit the GitHub repository for Portable-Basemap-Server and download the release zip file. 2. Setup and Usage Once downloaded, the process is straightforward:
and paste it into ArcGIS's "Add WMTS Server" or "Add GIS Server" dialog. Drag and Drop the new layer into your workspace. Limitations Technical Knowledge Required
The interface is available in both English and Chinese, making it accessible to a wider user base.
Unzip the contents to a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\PBS ). Portable Basemap Server V3-1-zip %28%28TOP%29%29 download
: For users in low-bandwidth areas, PBS can serve locally cached tile packages, providing a reliable reference layer when an internet connection is unavailable. User Experience The workflow is remarkably straightforward: the executable as an Administrator. Select a Data Source (e.g., Google Hybrid) and start the service. Copy the Generated URL
In the modern landscape of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the ability to work offline is not just a luxury—it is a necessity. Whether you are conducting field research in remote areas, working on a secured network, or ensuring continuity during internet outages, having a reliable local basemap server is crucial.
Given that the original source is gone, finding the official version requires some careful searching. Drag and Drop the new layer into your workspace
To download the Portable Basemap Server V3-1-zip, follow these steps:
Using PBS is refreshingly straightforward. Here’s a simple example using an file (if you don’t have one, you can download a sample Haiti terrain MBTiles from MapBox archives).
When working in remote areas without internet, PBS allows you to carry terabytes of satellite imagery locally and serve it to apps like ArcGIS Collector or QGIS. : For users in low-bandwidth areas, PBS can
The application is commonly distributed as a Portable Basemap Server v3.1.rar or .zip file, with a size of approximately
: Wraps diverse data sources, including Google Maps , Bing Maps , and OpenStreetMap , to serve as background layers.
: Version 3.1 excels at pulling from Google Maps (Satellite, Hybrid, Terrain), Bing Maps, and OpenStreetMap, providing an immediate upgrade over default basemap options. Offline Potential
If the online map conversion fails, ensure your "Local IP Address" in the main PBS window is set to an IPv4 address, rather than an IPv6 ( ::1 ). Conclusion
It's particularly useful for developers and GIS professionals who need to work with maps in environments without a stable internet connection, such as remote field sites or secure internal networks. The software is capable of wrapping various types of data sources—both online and offline—and publishing them as a standard web service that other applications can understand. Think of it as a personal, pocket-sized map server.