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Use custom map tile services in TagSpaces Pro

PRO

TagSpaces uses the free OpenStreetMap service as its default map provider. It works well for most use cases, but as a free service, it cannot guarantee uptime or handle heavy request volumes. Depending on how much you rely on maps in TagSpaces, it may make sense to configure an alternative map tile server.

This tutorial covers two options:

  • MapTiler — a reliable hosted service with many map themes and a free plan
  • Self-hosted OpenStreetMap — running your own tile server for full control and offline use

Step 1 - Create a MapTiler account​

Go to the MapTiler Cloud pricing page and sign up for an account. The free plan is sufficient for regular, non-heavy usage.

After signing up you will see an overview of the available maps.

Map overview in the MapTiler Cloud dashboard
Map overview in the MapTiler Cloud dashboard

Step 2 - Copy the tile server URL​

Choose the map style you want to use. Navigate to the Raster Tiles section of the map and copy the tile URL using the button highlighted in the screenshot below.

Copying the raster tile URL from MapTiler
Copying the raster tile URL from MapTiler

The copied URL will look something like this:

https://api.maptiler.com/maps/streets/{z}/{x}/{y}.png?key=YOUR_API_KEY

Keep this URL handy — you will paste it into TagSpaces in the next step.

Step 3 - Add the tile server in TagSpaces​

Open the TagSpaces Settings and navigate to the Advanced tab. In the Map Tile Servers section, click the Add map tile server button.

Map tile server section in the TagSpaces advanced settings
Map tile server section in the TagSpaces advanced settings

In the dialog that opens, fill in the following fields:

  • Name — a display name for this tile server (e.g. MapTiler Streets)
  • URL — paste the URL copied from MapTiler
  • Attribution — the copyright text required by the map provider (e.g. © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors)
  • Set as default — enable this if you want this server to be used automatically when opening the Mapique perspective
Dialog for adding a new map tile server
Dialog for adding a new map tile server

Click Save to apply the configuration.

Step 4 - Verify in the Mapique perspective​

Open any folder containing geo-tagged files and switch to the Mapique perspective. The map should now render using your newly configured tile server.

Mapique perspective using the custom MapTiler tile server
Mapique perspective using the custom MapTiler tile server
tip

You can add multiple tile servers and switch between them in the Mapique perspective without going back to Settings.

Self-hosting a map tile server​

If you need offline map access or want full control over your map data, you can run your own OpenStreetMap-compatible tile server using Docker.

The openstreetmap-tile-server Docker image provides a ready-to-use setup. Map data for your region can be downloaded from Geofabrik in the standard .osm.pbf format.

Once your self-hosted server is running, add its local URL in TagSpaces Settings exactly as described in Step 3 above (e.g. http://localhost:8080/tile/{z}/{x}/{y}.png).

Other resources​