As GIS professionals, we often browse websites with embedded maps and wonder: "Which map service is this? Can I use it in my own projects?" While some sites credit their map providers, many obscure this information, making it increasingly difficult to identify useful basemaps.

Is there a tool that automatically detects map service URLs while browsing and even formats them for direct import into GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS?

Meet Geo Hound – the solution!

Tool Overview

Geo Hound is a browser extension developed by @MapScaping that automatically detects and saves GIS services (e.g., WMS, WMTS, WFS, Esri services, tile services) encountered during web browsing. It centralizes management for future use.

Core Features

  1. Auto-Detection: Instantly identifies GIS service URLs without manual copying or network request inspection.
  2. URL Formatting: Generates standardized links compatible with ArcGIS, QGIS, and other GIS software.
  3. Organized Management: Supports custom folders, notes, and search/filter functions.
  4. Flexible Control: Disable detection on specific sites or export service lists for team sharing.

Installation (Chrome Web Store Access)

Users with Chrome Web Store access can install it directly:

  1. Search for "Geo Hound" in the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Or visit:
    https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/geo-hound/nooldeimgcodenhncjkjagbmppdinhfe?authuser=0&hl=en


Click "Add to Chrome" to install.

Offline Installation (Without Chrome Web Store)

For users in regions without Chrome Web Store access or using Chromium-based browsers:

File: Geo_Hound_Chrome_Extension_1.2.0.0.rar
Link: https://pan.baidu.com/s/1rflazAz5zhWQXsdPQgZQcQ
Password: dwpt
Extract Code: malagis.com

Steps:

  1. Extract the downloaded package using 7-Zip or WinRAR.
  2. Open Chrome’s extension page (chrome://extensions).
  3. Enable Developer Mode (top-right toggle).
  4. Click Load Unpacked and select the extracted folder.

Usage Example

When visiting a map-rich site like:
https://maps.qchizu.xyz/#10/36.537778/139.033356/&base=std&ls=std%7C60_moj_chiban_2025_01&disp=11&vs=c1g1j0h0k0l0u0t0z0r0s0m0f1

Geo Hound detects and lists all map services:

Copy a QGIS-formatted URL:

Paste it into QGIS’s XYZ Tiles connection:

The map loads instantly:

Compatibility Notes

  • Works: OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, Tianditu (detected but may fail to load in QGIS), and most international services.
  • Limited: Baidu/Amap services may not be detected due to obfuscation techniques.

Tip: The plugin is actively updated. Install via the Chrome Web Store if possible to receive automatic updates.