How to Add a Basemap in QGIS via ArcGIS

How to Get a Basemap in QGIS

Updated on:

June 8, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to add an ArcGIS basemap layer in QGIS.

Quick summary

This tutorial shows how to add a basemap in QGIS by connecting to an ArcGIS Map Server layer via the Layer menu. Once configured, the basemap appears under ArcGIS REST Servers in the QGIS Browser panel for immediate use.

Steps

Go to 'Layer', then select 'Add Layer', and click 'Add ArcGIS Map Server Layer'.
In the new window, click 'New' to begin creating a server connection.
Enter the map name and paste its URL into the connection fields.
Once done, click 'OK' to save the connection.
Go to the 'Browser' in the left-side menu, scroll to 'ArcGIS REST Servers', and view the basemap added below it.

📌 Why this matters

Adding a basemap in QGIS via an ArcGIS Map Server gives GIS professionals access to rich, regularly updated tile layers — such as satellite imagery and street maps — without manually managing raster files. This integration allows users to overlay their own spatial data on industry-standard reference maps directly inside QGIS, streamlining geospatial analysis workflows. For teams working with ArcGIS infrastructure alongside open-source GIS tools, this connection bridges both ecosystems efficiently. It reduces setup time and ensures that basemap data stays current through the live server feed.

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