((top)) - Portable Basemap Server Download

# Generate tiles using QGIS or Mobile Atlas Creator # Then serve them: python -m http.server 8080 Clients use http://your-ip:8080/z/x/y.png | Region | Source | Tile Format | |--------|--------|--------------| | Worldwide (low zoom 0–7) | openmaptiles.com (free plan) | MBTiles | | USA Topo | usgs.gov (download as MBTiles) | MBTiles / GeoPackage | | Europe | europa.eu (EU open data portal) | Raster TMS | | Any custom area (high zoom) | Use Mobile Atlas Creator (mobac.sourceforge.net) → export as MBTiles | MBTiles |

| Source | Format | Download method | |--------|--------|----------------| | (vector) | MBTiles | Use openmaptiles.com → "Download free plan" (requires free account) | | USGS Topo (raster) | GeoPackage / MBTiles | apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader (USA only) | | Satellite (low res) | MBTiles | github.com/opentopomap (global, 200m resolution) | | Custom area (any zoom) | MBTiles | Use QGIS + Generate XYZ Tiles or Mobac (Mobile Atlas Creator) | portable basemap server download

A portable basemap server lets you serve map tiles (satellite imagery, topographic maps, etc.) from a local device (laptop, Raspberry Pi, or external drive) over Wi-Fi. Other devices connect to this Wi-Fi and view maps in any app that supports URL-based tile servers (e.g., QField, Avenza, OsmAnd, or a web browser). 1. Understand the Two Main Approaches | Approach | Best for | Example Tools | |----------|----------|----------------| | All-in-one portable server | Quick setup, no coding | TileServer GL , Mapscii , GeoServ | | Generate tiles + serve locally | Large areas, custom styling | OsmAndMapCreator + HTTP server | # Generate tiles using QGIS or Mobile Atlas