Vector Basemaps Import

Overview

The Vector Basemaps tool imports georeferenced vector data from an online server, MapTiler. Upon import, the desired area may be specified by MAP View or by Artboard, and the data will be autostyled based on zoom level and attribute information. This basemap layer styling can be edited and saved in the Configure Basemaps dialog (see Configure Vector Basemaps). 

Requirements

Vector Basemaps can be imported to any Illustrator document using one of two Methods:

• Artboard - Manually input WGS84 coordinates in the Lower Left and Upper Right fields, or select an area from the Online Map
• MAP View - Area is determined by the extents of a MAP View containing at least one MAP layer

Using Vector Basemaps

From the Data Creation toolbar, click the Vector Basemaps icon > Vector Basemaps…, or, from the menu Object > MAPublisher > Vector Basemaps…. 

Attribution Requirements

As the data used in Vector Basemaps is sourced from MapTiler, it must be attributed if used in a publication. The agreement to provide the attribution must be accepted before accessing the Import dialog. 

MapTiler attribution requirements can be found on the following page: https://www.maptiler.com/copyright/

Import Vector Basemaps

Select Data For

Upon clicking the Select Data For drop-down menu, the area can be specified by either the Artboard or by Map View. If Artboard is chosen, there are two options available. The first option is using a defined area on the Online Map. The alternative option is manually entering WGS84 coordinates in the Lower Left and Upper Right fields to determine the extents of the area. When choosing to select by MAP View, the area will be determined by the current extents of the MAP View. The MAP View/Artboard drop-down allows you to determine which MAP View in the document you would like to use for the extents of the Import. 

Select Data From Online Map

Click the Specify Area with Online Map hyperlink to open the Select Vector Basemap dialog. Click and drag each of the four red pins to specify the desired area. To zoom in and out of the online map, use the scroll-wheel on your mouse, or the +/- buttons. Once satisfied with your selection, click OK to select the area. The Lower Left/Upper Right Coordinates along with the Selected Zoom Level will update based on this selection. 

Zoom Level

The Zoom Level is calculated based on chosen input (Coordinates, Online Map selection, MAP View), and artboard size. Zoom Level is used to determine the appropriate styling and level of detail of imported features. Zoom Level can be adjusted in the drop-down menu, where the options are default or +/-1. The current Selected Zoom Level and Number of Tiles can be viewed along the bottom of the Import dialog.

Style

The Style drop-down contains the options for Basic (default) and Custom style templates. Custom style templates are saved from the Configure Vector Basemaps dialog. Once the desired option is selected, it will be applied automatically to the imported basemaps. 

Add Background Layer

Enable this checkbox to include a background layer to the basemap. The background layer will provide fill to general land use areas.

Include Text/Point Layers

Enable the Include Text Layers checkbox to include various text layers to the basemap. The text layers can include Place names, Roads names & Water body names. (Dependent on zoom level)

Enable Include Point Layers checkbox to include symbolized points of interest. (Imported for zoom levels 13 or higher).