Working with web services in your drawing

You can display a web service temporarily in your drawing or permanently for a specific area. There are three ways to add a background map using web services to your file:

• Adding a web service as a temporary background map
• Adding a Web Service as a permanent map
• Adding a Web Service as a layout element

Don't have any web services available? First, read How to add web services to Pythagoras.

Make sure the CRS (Coordinate Reference System) of your file matches the CRS for which the web service is created. Haven't done this yet? Check out Setting the CRS of Your File.

Adding a web service as a temporary background map

This method keeps the map visible on the screen, even when zooming in and out. The service is loaded 'live', making it ideal for quick visual checks.

STEPS

• In the Active Settings toolbar, click on the Change background map button (dropdown).
• In the dropdown list click on the web service you want to load.
• The web service data will be imported. You can follow the progress at the bottom right.

To turn off this background map, go to the Active Settings toolbar, click on the Change background map button, and select None from the dropdown.

Adding a Web Service as a permanent map

This method allows you to insert a background map for a specific zone in your drawing, which will remain linked to the geo-reference.

STEPS

• In the menu select Tools > Create Web Service: Geo-referenced.
• Your cursor changes to a + to draw a frame. 
• Click and drag over the area where you want to display the web service background map.
• In the Geo-referenced Web Service Region window, enter a name and select the web service you want to insert.
• Click OK to confirm the settings.

You can adjust the shape and position of the frame with the cursor. Use the Refresh option to reload the data. Note that you cannot reposition the map data itself in your drawing, as the content depends on its position relative to the coordinates.

Right-clicking on this web service object provides several options, including:

Freeze: Pythagoras creates a folder with the same name as the drawing with an '_images' extension. By sending the folder and the drawing, someone without the GIS module can also see the background map in their drawing.

Export: When exporting to DWG/DXF format, a folder with the '_files' extension is created. Sharing the drawing with the accompanying folder allows users of software like AutoCAD to see the background map.

Adding a Web Service as a layout element

This method differs from a georeferenced web service in that this map is added to your Page layout which allows you to scale and reposition it.

STEPS

• In the Active Settings toolbar click on Sheet Manager and uncheck the Floating option.
• In the menu select Tools > Create Web Service: Viewport.
• Your cursor changes to a +. Click and drag over the area you want to display in the viewport.
• In the Webservice Viewport window, select the service you want to insert.
• Click OK to confirm the settings.

You can adjust the size of the frame with the cursor. The viewport can also be moved without changing its content. Right-clicking on this web service viewport provides several options.

Click the gear icon to open the window with the web service properties. By clicking the 'Selection Frame' button, you can enter the desired center point and scale of the web service.

With these steps, you can easily add web services to your file in various ways. Follow the instructions and ensure you choose the right settings for a successful import. Good luck!