Using Georeferenced Layers in ArcGIS

December 2021

This guide explains how to add georeferenced maps into ArcGIS as either XYZ or WMTS tilesets.

View a Brief georeferenced layers list or How to find all georeferenced layer URLs (in our Georeferenced Maps viewer).

Once you've selected a map, copy the associated WMTS or XYZ URL depending on your choice of method (see below). Next, launch ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Online as appropriate:

Adding WMTS Tilesets in ArcGIS Desktop
Adding XYZ Tilesets in ArcGIS Online
Adding WMTS Tilesets in ArcGIS Pro

Adding WMTS Tilesets in ArcGIS Desktop

From the Standard Toolbar, select the Add Data icon (+ symbol over a yellow diamond).
A new Add Data dialog box should open. From the Look in drop-down menu select GIS Servers.
Select Add WMTS Server and click Add.
Add the WMTS URL and press OK. To find URLs view our Brief georeferenced layers list or read How to find all georeferenced layer URLs (in our Georeferenced Maps viewer).
Select the newly created WMTSGate from the Add Data dialog box and press Add.
Select the listed map layer (in this case great_britain_1940s) and press Add.
Your map should now be added to your project and appear as a layer in the table of contents.

Adding XYZ Tilesets in ArcGIS Online

Go to ArcGIS Online.
To add layers you must be logged into an account. Select login or sign-up to create an account.
Select Add from the left-hand side bar and choose Tile layer.
A new dialog box should appear. Enter your map's XYZ URL and write a suitable title. An attribution must also be added. Press Add to map when finished. To find URLs view our Brief georeferenced layers list or read How to find all georeferenced layer URLs (in our Georeferenced Maps viewer).
Your georeferenced map should now be added to your project.