How to add Google Maps XYZ tiles in QGIS 3

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It is true that with the launch of QGIS 3 we are happy. Since it brings many features and upgrades such as improved editing of geometry, symbols, design, 3D layer, etc. But, a problem for impatient users that we don’t like to wait for, is the update of plugins.

Although many are already in QGIS 3, but unfortunately not all of them, including OpenLayers. But you can advantageously add G Maps layers and print them from QGIS 3.

The good news, some Layer TMS using NextGIS are listed below with updates qgis_basemaps.py script.

Add XYZ Tiles in QGIS 3

To add Tile service in QGIS 3 simply, go to XYZ Tiles in the Browser panel. Now click on a New Connection, right-click on XYZ Tiles.

New Connection XYZ Tiles QGIS 3

Enter the name, for example: G Satellite. Copy and paste one of the TMS listed above into the URL. Adjust the maximum zoom level (19). Accept all changes.

XYZ Connection QGIS 3

This way, a connection to G Satellite is established by XYZ Tile in QGIS 3. To view inside QGIS simply double-click or drag the XYZ Tile service to the layers panel.

Google Satellite on QGIS 3

In the same way you can add the rest of the TMS described at the beginning of this tutorial, for example: G Maps.

Google Maps on QGIS 3

Source: Geodose

41 thoughts on “How to add Google Maps XYZ tiles in QGIS 3”

  4. I believe direct access to Google’s map tiles is contrary to their service terms and conditions.

  5. Very nice. And I like that it is more flexible wrt printing, rotation and transparency. However, Warren Vick is correct, at least for commercial use (I haven’t looked into non-commercial use). The Open Layers Plugin was ideal for us as it allowed us to input our API key which we paid a hefty amount for commercial use for. I’m wondering if there is a manner to use the above but somehow include our key so that we are compliant … any thoughts?

  10. Hi franzpc. Thank you for posting this! I get all of these layers to load except the “Google Satellite” one. I tried changing a few text features (https vs. http; vt/lyrs vs. vt?lyrs) but no luck. The “Satellite Hybrid” works fine.

  16. This post is still helpful for QGIS beginners however the satellite and satellite hybrid aren’t giving any errors messages but they aren’t loading up, does the URL need updating?
    Thanks

  17. Hello,
    I am trying this method but no information is popping up. Do you know what can be the cause of that? Thanks

  18. Nonostante abbia copiato ed incollato URL del Google Satellite, non riesco a vederlo, non so quale potrebbe essere il problema . grazie

  20. Ok! I did everything, but when I click in the google maps in the canva, it opens a Licence and Terms services window asking a Google Maps API key.
    How do I get this API key?

  24. GOOD Morning.
    I just a beginner in QGIS, and sorry for my english, I’m french.
    But I try the solutions and no cards appears.
    Have you got any solutions ?

  29. Thank you for sharing the information! Any way that you can “keep” the Google Satellite imagery even though you are not connected to the imagery?

  30. Can I use the maps visualized by using Google Maps Layer for school purposes (writing the thesis)? How about for work purposes, like making official documents?

  31. When I use any of those links a Google error page pops up saying that I issued a malformed or illegal request. Is there anything else we can do?

  37. Thanks a lot for sharing this valuable knowledge. I noticed that the image is not the current updated image of google earth. There is a slight difference between the google earth image and the image from this URL. Can I get the current image of google earth ?

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