How to Add a Basemap in QGIS with HCMGIS

How to Add a Basemap in QGIS

Updated on:

June 8, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to install the HCMGIS plugin and load basemaps in QGIS.

Quick summary

Adding a basemap in QGIS requires installing the HCMGIS plugin through the Plugin Manager, which unlocks a ready-to-use library of basemap options directly from the top menu. Once installed, QGIS users can access satellite, street, and terrain basemaps in just a few clicks without any manual tile configuration.

Steps

Open QGIS, click Plugins in the top menu, and select Manage and Install Plugins.
In the Plugins search bar, type and select HCMGIS from the results list.
Click Install Plugin to begin the installation.
Once installation is complete, go to the top menu and click the new HCMGIS menu item.
Select your preferred basemap from the available options — basemaps are now ready to use in your QGIS project.

📌 Why this matters

Adding a basemap in QGIS gives GIS analysts and spatial data professionals essential geographic context for their map layers, making it easier to interpret, validate, and present spatial data. The HCMGIS plugin is a free, one-click solution that unlocks dozens of ready-to-use basemaps — including Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and satellite imagery — directly inside QGIS without manual XYZ tile configuration. For teams working on urban planning, environmental analysis, or field data visualization, having a reliable basemap layer dramatically speeds up map production workflows. This approach is especially valuable for QGIS beginners who need professional-quality background maps without complex setup.

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