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<p>Forest Watcher offers the ability to upload custom basemaps and contextual layers directly into the mobile app. This is an innovative feature for users who would like to complement the data from GFW with location-specific information.</p>



<p>Below you will find steps on how to upload custom basemaps, contextual layers and GFW layers directly to your device. </p>



<ol><li>To start, navigate to the homepage and tap “Settings.” On the settings page, you can access basemaps or contextual layers by tapping the appropriate icon.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/forest-watcher-settings-01-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10866" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/forest-watcher-settings-01-2.png 403w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/forest-watcher-settings-01-2-138x300.png 138w" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px" /><figcaption>From the homepage, tap “Settings.” </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/share-app-data-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10867" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/share-app-data-1.png 340w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/share-app-data-1-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px" /><figcaption>Tap “Basemaps” or “Contextual Layers” to access the applicable features.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upload custom basemaps</h2>



<ol><li>Tap “Basemaps” on the settings page. From here, you can manage both the default and custom basemaps on the app. Tap the “+” icon on the top right to upload a custom basemap.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10871" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01.png 378w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01-168x300.png 168w" sizes="(max-width: 378px) 100vw, 378px" /><figcaption>Upload a new custom basemap by tapping the “+” icon. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>You will then be prompted to choose the basemap type. Tap “Custom Basemap” and select the custom basemap file you would like to upload. The only file type supported for custom basemaps on Forest Watcher is .mbtiles.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10873" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01-1.png 385w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01-1-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px" /><figcaption>Tap “Custom Basemap.” </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10872" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-2.png 279w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-2-168x300.png 168w" sizes="(max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px" /><figcaption>Select and upload your custom basemap from your device’s files.</figcaption></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>After selecting your basemap file, you will be prompted to name your basemap. Once you have decided on a name, tap the green “Import Basemap” icon at the bottom of the screen.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/import-custom-basemap-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10874" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/import-custom-basemap-01.png 359w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/import-custom-basemap-01-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 359px) 100vw, 359px" /><figcaption>Enter a name for your basemap then tap “Import Basemap.” </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="4"><li>Your custom basemap will automatically download to the app and should be available under “Custom Basemaps” on the manage basemaps page. You will now be able to access your custom basemap when viewing your areas of interest.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-custom-basemap.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10868" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-custom-basemap.png 352w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-custom-basemap-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 352px) 100vw, 352px" /><figcaption>Your custom basemap will be accessible from the manage basemaps page.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upload contextual layers</h2>



<ol><li>Tap “Contextual Layers” on the settings page. From here, you can manage all contextual layers stored on the app, including contextual layers available from GFW and your own contextual layers. Tap the “+” icon on the top right to add a new contextual layer.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-contextual-layer-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10875" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-contextual-layer-01.png 470w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-contextual-layer-01-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption>Upload a new contextual layer by tapping the “+” icon. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>You will then be prompted to choose contextual layer type, with two options: Add a GFW layer or add your own contextual layer.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/choose-contextual-layer-type.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10876" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/choose-contextual-layer-type.png 344w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/choose-contextual-layer-type-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px" /><figcaption>Add a contextual layer from GFW or import your own contextual layer.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Upload a GFW layer</h3>



<ol><li>To add a GFW layer, tap “Add Global Forest Watch Layer.” From here, you can scroll through the additional contextual layers available from GFW.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10877" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-01.png 470w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-01-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption>Tap “Add Global Forest Watch Layer.” </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-available-gfw-layers-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10878" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-available-gfw-layers-01.png 437w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-available-gfw-layers-01-167x300.png 167w" sizes="(max-width: 437px) 100vw, 437px" /><figcaption>Scroll through the available contextual layers from GFW and tap on the one you’d like to add. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>Tap the contextual layer you’d like to add then choose whether to download the data for offline use or to access it when online only.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-to-device-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10879" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-to-device-01.png 433w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-to-device-01-161x300.png 161w" sizes="(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px" /><figcaption>Choose to either download the data or access it while online only, then tap “Add Layer.” </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>Once done, click “Add Layer” and the contextual layer will automatically download. You will find it under “GFW Layers” on the manage contextual layers page.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-gfw-layer.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10869" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-gfw-layer.png 301w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-gfw-layer-168x300.png 168w" sizes="(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px" /><figcaption>The mining concessions contextual layer now appears under “GFW Layers.”</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Upload a custom contextual layer</h3>



<ol><li>To add your own contextual layer, tap “Custom Contextual Layer.” Supported file types include: .json, .geojson, .topojson, .gpx, .zip, .kmz and .kml</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-custom-contextual-layer-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10880" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-custom-contextual-layer-01.png 470w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-custom-contextual-layer-01-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption>Tap “Custom Contextual Layer” to add your own data. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>From here, you will be prompted to select your file. Select the file from your device and you will be directed to a new page where you can name the contextual layer. After naming your contextual layer, tap “Import Layer” at the bottom of the screen.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10881" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-3.png 279w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-3-168x300.png 168w" sizes="(max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px" /><figcaption>Select the file from your device.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/name-sample-shapefile-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10882" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/name-sample-shapefile-01.png 452w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/name-sample-shapefile-01-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 452px) 100vw, 452px" /><figcaption>Give the contextual layer a name then tap “Import Layer.” </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>Your custom contextual layer will automatically import. You can find it under “Custom Layers” on the manage contextual layers page.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-contextual-layer.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10870" width="219" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-contextual-layer.png 330w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-contextual-layer-169x300.png 169w" sizes="(max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px" /><figcaption>The contextual layer now appears under “Custom Layers.”</figcaption></figure>



<p>Learn more about sharing custom basemaps and contextual layers with another device <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/forest-watcher/guides/export-share-content-offline/">here</a>.</p>







<p><em>Hand graphic by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/illustration-touch-screen-hands-gesture-thin-line_2802624.htm#page=1&query=touch%20screen%20hand%20gestures&position=28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rawpixel</a>.</em></p>

Upload custom basemaps and contextual layers

Global Forest Watch Content

https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/gfwGlobal.png

<p>Forest Watcher offers the ability to upload custom basemaps and contextual layers directly into the mobile app. This is an innovative feature for users who would like to complement the data from GFW with location-specific information.</p>



<p>Below you will find steps on how to upload custom basemaps, contextual layers and GFW layers directly to your device. </p>



<ol><li>To start, navigate to the homepage and tap “Settings.” On the settings page, you can access basemaps or contextual layers by tapping the appropriate icon.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/forest-watcher-settings-01-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10866" width="219"/><figcaption>From the homepage, tap “Settings.” </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/share-app-data-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10867" width="219"/><figcaption>Tap “Basemaps” or “Contextual Layers” to access the applicable features.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Upload custom basemaps</h2>



<ol><li>Tap “Basemaps” on the settings page. From here, you can manage both the default and custom basemaps on the app. Tap the “+” icon on the top right to upload a custom basemap.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10871" width="219"/><figcaption>Upload a new custom basemap by tapping the “+” icon. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>You will then be prompted to choose the basemap type. Tap “Custom Basemap” and select the custom basemap file you would like to upload. The only file type supported for custom basemaps on Forest Watcher is .mbtiles.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-custom-basemap-01-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10873" width="219"/><figcaption>Tap “Custom Basemap.” </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10872" width="219"/><figcaption>Select and upload your custom basemap from your device’s files.</figcaption></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>After selecting your basemap file, you will be prompted to name your basemap. Once you have decided on a name, tap the green “Import Basemap” icon at the bottom of the screen.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/import-custom-basemap-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10874" width="219"/><figcaption>Enter a name for your basemap then tap “Import Basemap.” </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="4"><li>Your custom basemap will automatically download to the app and should be available under “Custom Basemaps” on the manage basemaps page. You will now be able to access your custom basemap when viewing your areas of interest.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-custom-basemap.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10868" width="219"/><figcaption>Your custom basemap will be accessible from the manage basemaps page.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Upload contextual layers</h2>



<ol><li>Tap “Contextual Layers” on the settings page. From here, you can manage all contextual layers stored on the app, including contextual layers available from GFW and your own contextual layers. Tap the “+” icon on the top right to add a new contextual layer.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/upload-contextual-layer-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10875" width="219"/><figcaption>Upload a new contextual layer by tapping the “+” icon. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>You will then be prompted to choose contextual layer type, with two options: Add a GFW layer or add your own contextual layer.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/choose-contextual-layer-type.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10876" width="219"/><figcaption>Add a contextual layer from GFW or import your own contextual layer.</figcaption></figure>



<h3>Upload a GFW layer</h3>



<ol><li>To add a GFW layer, tap “Add Global Forest Watch Layer.” From here, you can scroll through the additional contextual layers available from GFW.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10877" width="219"/><figcaption>Tap “Add Global Forest Watch Layer.” </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-available-gfw-layers-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10878" width="219"/><figcaption>Scroll through the available contextual layers from GFW and tap on the one you’d like to add. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>Tap the contextual layer you’d like to add then choose whether to download the data for offline use or to access it when online only.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-gfw-layer-to-device-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10879" width="219"/><figcaption>Choose to either download the data or access it while online only, then tap “Add Layer.” </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>Once done, click “Add Layer” and the contextual layer will automatically download. You will find it under “GFW Layers” on the manage contextual layers page.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-gfw-layer.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10869" width="219"/><figcaption>The mining concessions contextual layer now appears under “GFW Layers.”</figcaption></figure>



<h3>Upload a custom contextual layer</h3>



<ol><li>To add your own contextual layer, tap “Custom Contextual Layer.” Supported file types include: .json, .geojson, .topojson, .gpx, .zip, .kmz and .kml</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/add-custom-contextual-layer-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10880" width="219"/><figcaption>Tap “Custom Contextual Layer” to add your own data. </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="2"><li>From here, you will be prompted to select your file. Select the file from your device and you will be directed to a new page where you can name the contextual layer. After naming your contextual layer, tap “Import Layer” at the bottom of the screen.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/saved-basemap-bundle-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10881" width="219"/><figcaption>Select the file from your device.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/name-sample-shapefile-01.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10882" width="219"/><figcaption>Give the contextual layer a name then tap “Import Layer.” </figcaption></figure>



<ol start="3"><li>Your custom contextual layer will automatically import. You can find it under “Custom Layers” on the manage contextual layers page.</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/access-contextual-layer.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10870" width="219"/><figcaption>The contextual layer now appears under “Custom Layers.”</figcaption></figure>



<p>Learn more about sharing custom basemaps and contextual layers with another device <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/forest-watcher/guides/export-share-content-offline/">here</a>.</p>







<p><em>Hand graphic by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/illustration-touch-screen-hands-gesture-thin-line_2802624.htm#page=1&amp;query=touch%20screen%20hand%20gestures&amp;position=28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rawpixel</a>.</em></p>

Forest Watcher offers the ability to upload custom basemaps and contextual layers directly into the mobile app.

Upload Custom Data | Forest Watcher | Help Center | GFW

<p>Do you have questions on how to use Forest Watcher? Join GFW’s expert-led Office Hours on November 2 for an overview on how to use Forest Watcher’s key features and get the opportunity to ask questions, work through problems and share lessons learned. <a href="https://wri.zoom.us/webinar/register/5316978271456/WN_jbLYR_9iSYaEkAoW-Ih5hA" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Register here</a>.</p>
