In the previous article, A Guide to Using Jilin-1 Satellite Imagery as a Basemap in ArcGIS Pro, I introduced the Jilin-1 basemap service as an alternative to China’s Tianditu maps for ArcGIS Pro users. Many readers asked whether there are other map sources available. Today, let’s look at another excellent basemap provider — Geovis Earth.

PS: I’ve actually mentioned Geovis Earth several times in earlier posts. Back then, with so many international basemap options, few paid attention. However, after ArcGIS Pro Services Blocked in China? Chinese Users Are in Trouble..., the number of stable and accessible basemap services in China has significantly decreased. In this context, Geovis Earth has become a great alternative.

Registering on Geovis Earth

Visit the official website: https://geovisearth.com/

The registration process is straightforward. After registering, you’ll need to complete verification — either as an individual or a company. The main difference lies in the free usage quota. If possible, choose the company verification for a higher quota and smoother experience.

Once logged in, click Geovis Earth Data Cloud, then open the Console and copy your token.

Next, go to Developer Support → Basemap API, and find the WMTS configuration parameters. The main URL for the Mercator projection is:

https://tiles.geovisearth.com/base/v1/wmts/GetCapabilities?tmsIds=w&token=your_token

Replace your_token with your own access token, and copy the full URL.

Loading in ArcGIS Pro

Open ArcGIS Pro, go to Insert → Connections → Server → New WMTS Server, and paste the prepared URL into the server URL field. Then, expand the server on the right panel to find the newly added WMTS service.

Drag the desired layer(s) into your map. The example below shows an imagery and annotation layer loaded in ArcGIS Pro:

Loading in ArcMap

The process is nearly identical in ArcMap. Go to the right-side Catalog Panel → GIS Servers → Add WMTS Server.

Paste the same URL from above into the connection dialog.

After confirming, find the WMTS service in the right panel and drag the layer into your map.

Loading in QGIS

The steps are similar in QGIS. On the left panel, find WMS/WMTS, right-click, and choose New Connection. Paste the same URL.

After confirming, the WMTS service will appear in the left panel. Drag the desired layer into your map to display it.

Summary

As for the image clarity, I’ll refrain from making definitive comments. When I said the Jilin-1 imagery was fairly clear in my last post, some readers disagreed. Considering China’s vast area, differences in clarity are normal due to various factors. I recommend testing it yourself — try combining different basemap sources such as Tianditu and Jilin-1, and use whichever looks best. After all, having more basemap options is always a good thing.