Using Custom Base Maps in Social Pinpoint

Step 1: Add a custom base map

1. Edit the block for your Web or Social Map tool.
2. Navigate to the ‘Map’ tab, scroll down through the different base layer options and select either the Mapbox Custom or Web Mapping Service option (e.g. use this for importing features from ArcGIS).

 

Step 2: Select Your Custom Base Map Option

1. Web Map Service (WMS) Layers

WMS is a universal GIS standard used by Esri ArcGIS and other platforms like QGIS, MapInfo, and Hexagon. This lets you pull in live base map layers from public or private GIS servers.

Steps:

1. Choose "WMS" as your base map type.
2. You will need to enter the domain/URL of your map server, including the relevant parameters as follows.
3. Enter your WMS URL. This URL should:
   • Include service=WMS and request=GetMap
   • Have a valid layers= value (the name of the GIS layer you want to load)
   • Include your server's version number, this is commonly version=1.1.1 or 1.3 but may be something else depending on the server.
   • Within the WMS URL, you need to include the supported coordinate system and size of the image tile. For example: srs=EPSG:3857&width=256&height=256 defines the size of the image tile. In this example, EPSG:3857 refers to the coordinate system used, and width=256&height=256 refers to the image size.
4. Paste the full URL into the field to see the preview of the map updated, then click Save Social Map to finalize the changes.

Example Format:

https://yourserver.com/wms?bbox={bbox-epsg-3857}&format=image/png&service=WMS&version=1.1.1&request=GetMap&srs=EPSG:3857&width=256&height=256&layers=your_layer_name

You do not need a login or token. WMS is designed for open access sharing of map data.

 

2. Mapbox Custom Styles

Use your Mapbox account to apply a fully customized look to your map.

Steps:

1. Choose "Mapbox Custom" as your base map type.
2. Fill in the required fields:
   • Username (your Mapbox username)
   • Style ID (your published Mapbox style)
   • Access Token (your Mapbox public access token)
3. Click "Save Social" to apply your custom style.

This method gives you total control over your visual design.

 

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Supported File-Based Layers

In addition to custom base maps, you can upload layers directly to your map, including on top of your other base maps (e.g. you can have a base map from ArcGIS and add on any of the below layers too):

• Shapefiles (.shp) — widely used in Esri ArcGIS
• GeoJSON files (Vector layers)
• Static image overlays
• Custom-drawn layers — directly in platform (like study area masks)

Go to the Layers panel in any map to add these files.

 

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FAQs

Q: Can I use Esri ArcGIS maps with Social Pinpoint?

A: Yes. You can upload Shapefiles or use WMS links from Esri ArcGIS to display maps or layers. This means you don’t need to convert your data or use a workaround.

Q: Can I combine layers from different sources?

A: Yes! You can overlay multiple layers — for example, an Esri base map via WMS and a GeoJSON feature layer from another source.

Q: What if I’m not sure how to get the WMS URL?

A: Ask your GIS team or contact our support team. We can help walk you through it.

Q: Once I gather feedback on my map, what kind of data will I receive?

A: You will receive a range of extensive data from your map engagement. Check out our article on Social Map Reporting for more details.

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