Adding a WMS layer

The Web Map Service (WMS) is a standard protocol for serving map images that a map server generates using data from a Geographic Information System (GIS) database. You can add a WMS layer to a map chart visualization to provide specialized context.

Before you begin

To add a WMS layer, you must have a URL to a valid WMS 1.1.1 (or earlier) service that uses WGS84 coordinate reference system (EPSG:3857 or EPSG: 4326). You can use a WMS server that does not require any login credentials, uses basic authentication or authentication with an identity provider (OAuth).

To authenticate with an identity provider, you must configure your Spotfire environment and the external system (the WMS server) from which you want to access data to use your identity provider. See Authentication with an identity provider (OAuth2) to access external systems for more information.

Tip: Many WMS resources are available on the internet. The article WMS sources for Spotfire on the Community site lists many links to sites that contain WMS resources, both free and paid. (The Community site is free to use; however, users must register an account to gain access to the information.)

Procedure

Follow the steps in Adding layers.

Tip: You can reuse the settings of an already existing layer instead of adding a completely new layer. See Duplicating a layer for detailed instructions.
From the list, select WMS layer.
Required: Provide the URL to a valid service.
The URL must link to a valid XML structure and a server that supports a WMS 1.1.1 or earlier service, and which uses the WGS84 coordinate reference system (EPSG:3857 or EPSG: 4326).

Note: If you enter a link to a server that supports only WMS 1.3.0 or later, an error is shown in the title area.

Most WMS maps are designed for specific regions or countries. If you provide a URL that contains a map structure for another country or region, Spotfire will show an error.
If the specified WMS service requires login, use Username and password as the Authentication method and login to the service.
Expand the WMS sublayers section in the visualization properties panel to add sublayers. See Configuring a WMS layer and sublayer for detailed instructions and an example.