PSGA Scotland members: Please replace references on this page to the domain map.viaeuropa.uk.com with map.publicsectormapping.gov.scot
WMS (Web Map Service) is a method of delivering geo-referenced maps over the Internet. It is an OGC standard and supported by many GIS software products and web mapping APIs.
viaEuropa supports WMS versions 1.0.0, 1.1.1 and 1.3.0.
viaEuropa supports WMS over both http and https.
If your software can support WMTS as well as WMS, we recommend using WMTS as there are significant performance benefits. We discourage the use of WMS for tile-based access unless you really need a tile matrix (set of zoom scales) which differs from our BNG and BNG2 offering.
To use WMS, you must use an end point to make a Get Capabilities request. This allows your software to be informed (using a language called XML) about the capabilities, features and limits of a WMS service. It also lists the map layers which are available to you. The URL for a viaEuropa WMS Get Capabilities request is as follows. You must replace {id} with a valid viaEuropa ID.
https://map.viaeuropa.uk.com/{id}/service?REQUEST=GetCapabilities
where:
{id} is your viaEuropa ID
After processing a Get Capabilities request, your software should present a list of map layers available. (See Reference/Map Inventory).
Note: The Alternative British National Grid (BNG2) layers are not presented as they are only applicable to Tile XYZ and WMTS-based access.
Esri ArcMap users - If you wish to use a Spherical Mercator (EPSG: 3857) layer in Esri ArcMap, make sure the data frame is set to Projected Coordinate Systems > World > WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere) before adding the layer. Without this step, ArcMap will default to requesting maps in British National Grid and reproject to Spherical Mercator, which will result in a distorted and inferior map.
For further details on using viaEuropa WMS with popular GIS software and web mapping APIs, see the Using viaEuropa section.