Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml !!better!! Guide
The onlinemapsources.xml file is the configuration backbone of OruxMaps, allowing you to add, edit, and organize custom map layers—ranging from satellite imagery to specialized topographic maps. By managing this file, you can bypass the limited default selection and connect to hundreds of global map servers. 1. Where to Place the File
To ensure your custom maps aren't overwritten during app updates, do not use the default map folder. Safe Path: oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/
Standard Path: oruxmaps/mapfiles/ (Contains official sources, but is risky for custom edits) 2. How to "Install" New Maps
Once you have a compatible .xml file (often downloaded from community forums or specialized sites like AnyGIS):
Copy the file to the customonlinemaps folder on your smartphone. Restart the OruxMaps app.
Refresh: Open the Map List, select Online, and tap the Refresh (circular arrow) button.
View: Your new maps will now appear under the Layers section in the Online folder. 3. XML Structure Breakdown
If you want to create your own source, each entry follows a specific XML format: uid="101" My Custom Topo
The server link using placeholders like $x, $y, and $z for coordinates and zoom. 0 / 18 MERCATORELIPSOIDAL for most web maps. MERCATORELIPSOIDAL 4. Pro Tips for Power Users
Create Offline Backups: You can use an online source to download a specific area for offline use. This is perfect for hiking in areas with no reception.
Avoid Overlays: If the map list gets too cluttered, long-press a map name to remove it from the list.
Community Resources: Many users share pre-filled .xml files on platforms like the OruxMaps Telegram group or the AnyGIS project, which offer thousands of curated sources. Online-maps sources for Orux Maps - AnyGIS
The onlinemapsources.xml file is the engine behind the massive library of maps available in OruxMaps, a popular outdoor navigation app for Android. While the app comes with several pre-loaded map sources like OpenStreetMap, this XML file allows users to manually add almost any online map service—including satellite, topographic, and marine charts—to their device. What is the onlinemapsources.xml File?
This file acts as a directory that tells OruxMaps where to find map tiles on the internet and how to display them. It contains parameters like URLs, zoom levels, and cache settings for each map source.
Primary File: Found at /oruxmaps/mapfiles/onlinemapsources.xml, this file is often overwritten during app updates.
Custom File: Users are encouraged to place their own version in /oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/onlinemapsources.xml. Files in this folder are protected from updates. How to Add Custom Map Sources Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml
If you want to add a specific map (like Google Maps or a regional topographic layer), you can either download a pre-made XML or edit the file manually.
Find a Source: Many communities provide updated XML files. High-quality collections can be found on AnyGIS or in dedicated Telegram groups.
Move the File: Copy the downloaded onlinemapsources.xml into the /oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/ directory on your device.
Refresh the App: Open OruxMaps, go to Switch Map > Online, and tap the Refresh button (circular arrows) to load the new sources. Structure of a Map Source Entry
For those who want to code their own entries, each source follows a specific XML structure: Customize Onlinemapsources.xml - OruxMaps
Code Select Expand. 🔵 TopoGuide (GR) ©TopoGuide]]> 1 20 MERCATORESFERICA om 1 1 0 0 oruxmaps.com Customize Onlinemapsources.xml - Page 2 - OruxMaps
The onlinemapsources.xml file is the configuration backbone for OruxMaps, a powerful Android-based navigation app designed for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. This file allows users to define and integrate custom online map sources, such as Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, or specialized Web Map Services (WMS), directly into the application's map viewer. Core Functionality and File Location
By default, OruxMaps includes a standard set of online maps. However, the power of onlinemapsources.xml lies in its customizability. Users can add, remove, or modify map providers to suit their specific regional or activity-based needs.
Primary File: Found at oruxmaps/mapfiles/onlinemapsources.xml.
Custom Maps Directory: To prevent your manual edits from being overwritten during app updates, it is recommended to place personalized XML files in the oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/ folder. XML Structure and Key Tags
The file uses a standard XML format where each map source is wrapped in an uid: A unique identification number for each map.
name: The display name that appears in the OruxMaps "Online Maps" list.
url: The critical entry containing the tile server address, often utilizing variables like $x, $y, and $z to fetch specific map tiles based on coordinates and zoom level.
minzoom & maxzoom: Defines the zoom range the map supports (e.g., 0 to 18).
projection: Specifies the coordinate system, typically MERCATORESFERICA for most web maps. The onlinemapsources
cacheable: A binary value (0 or 1) determining if tiles should be saved locally for temporary offline use. Integrating Custom Maps Online-maps sources for Orux Maps - AnyGIS
onlinemapsources.xml file is the configuration backbone for , allowing the app to stream and cache map tiles from external servers. While the app comes with a default list, users can add custom sources—such as OpenStreetMap variants, Google Maps, or regional government WMTS feeds—by editing or creating this XML file. 1. File Location & Best Practice Standard Path oruxmaps/mapfiles/onlinemapsources.xml Best Practice
: Instead of editing the default file (which updates may overwrite), place your custom XML in: oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/onlinemapsources.xml Refreshing : After adding the file, you must restart the app and press the
button (circular arrows) in the Map List to see new sources. 2. Basic XML Structure Each map source is wrapped in an
: A unique integer. If two sources share an ID, one will be ignored. : The tile server address using placeholders: : Zoom level. : Tile coordinates. : Server placeholder (swaps with values in the projection MERCATORESFERICA for most online providers like OSM or Google.
so tiles are stored on your device as you view them, saving data later. 4. Advanced Options OruxMaps-Online-Maps/onlinemapsources.xml at master
The onlinemapsources.xml file is the configuration backbone for online mapping in OruxMaps, allowing users to integrate various map providers beyond the default list. By modifying or adding this file, you can access satellite imagery, topographic maps, and specialized layers like nautical or weather charts. Core Functionality
Custom Map Integration: It acts as a directory where you define the URL patterns for different map servers. Instead of being limited to built-in options, you can add any source that uses standard tile formats (Google/OSM style), WMS (Web Map Service), or WMTS (Web Map Tile Service).
Persistent Storage: While the app comes with a default file in the oruxmaps/mapfiles/ directory, this file is often overwritten during updates. To keep your custom sources safe, you should place your own version in oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/.
Layer Management: The XML format allows you to specify parameters for each source, including: Min/Max Zoom: Controls the visibility levels of the map.
Cacheable/Downloadable: Determines if tiles can be saved for offline use. Projection: Typically uses MERCATORELIPSOIDAL or WGS84. How to Add New Sources
To expand your map list, you can either manually edit the XML file or download pre-configured files from community contributors:
Download/Edit: Obtain an updated onlinemapsources.xml (popular distributions like AnyGIS offer hundreds of curated sources).
File Placement: Copy the file to the internal storage folder: oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/. Refresh in App: Open OruxMaps and tap the Map icon. Select Switch map > Online.
Tap the Refresh (circular arrows) button to load the new sources from your XML. Creating Offline Maps from Online Sources Create a new text file named onlinemapsources
A major feature enabled by these XML sources is the ability to create permanent offline maps. Once an online source is active, you can use the "Map Creator" tool to select an area and download specific zoom levels directly to your device for use without a data connection. Sample XML Structure
Each map source is defined within
Note: Always respect the Terms of Service of map providers, as some strictly forbid bulk downloading or automated tile scraping. Configuring online maps - OruxMaps
onlinemapsources.xml file is the configuration heart for adding custom Web Map Services (WMS) or tile servers to OruxMaps. File Location
To ensure your custom maps aren't overwritten during app updates, you should place your custom XML files in the following directory on your device: /oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/
If you choose to edit the main file directly, it is typically located at: /oruxmaps/mapfiles/onlinemapsources.xml XML Structure Example The basic structure requires a
block for each map. Below is a standard template for a tile-based map service (like Google or OpenStreetMap-style servers): onlinemapsource "UNIQUE_NUMBER" >Map Name Displayed in App projection >MERCATORESFERICA
: A unique integer (ID) for each map. Ensure this does not conflict with existing IDs. : The label that will appear in your Online Maps list in OruxMaps. : The template URL for tiles. Use variables like (column), and (row). Always wrap this in to prevent XML parsing errors with characters like projection MERCATORESFERICA for most web maps or MERCATORELIPSOIDAL for specific sources like Yandex.
to allow OruxMaps to save viewed tiles to your local storage for faster browsing later. downloadable
if you want to use the "Map Creator" tool to download areas for offline use. How to Activate New Sources your XML file in the customonlinemaps icon (usually top right) -> Switch Map
button in the top bar to force the app to scan for new XML entries. OpenTopoMap OruxMaps - LearnOSM
What If the File Doesn’t Exist?
If you do not see onlinemapsources.xml in the mapfiles directory, Oruxmaps may still be using a default hardcoded list. In that case:
- Create a new text file named
onlinemapsources.xmlusing a code editor (e.g., Notepad++, QuickEdit). - Add the basic XML header and footer.
- Insert your desired map sources.
- Save it to the correct folder and restart Oruxmaps.
Minimal valid XML template:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<onlinemapsources>
<!-- Your sources go here -->
</onlinemapsources>
Part 7: Troubleshooting Common XML Errors
Even a single typo can break the entire map sources list. Here are the most frequent issues.
Best Practices
- Set a
User-Agentif possible (Oruxmaps does not currently support custom headers, so avoid servers that enforce strict UA). - Prefer offline maps for repeated use on the same trail.
- Never share an XML file containing your personal API keys.