How to Choose the Right Basemap for a Mining Map
Use the Light basemap for NI 43-101 reports and regulatory filings, Satellite for investor presentations and location maps showing terrain, Topographic for infrastructure and access maps, and Dark for digital dashboards and social media.
The Four Basemaps and When to Use Each
Exploration Maps offers four basemap styles. Each has a specific context where it performs best:
Light Basemap: Technical Reports and Regulatory Filings
The Light basemap uses a neutral light gray background that makes coloured data layers — claims boundaries, drill holes, target areas — stand out clearly. It is the standard choice for NI 43-101 technical reports, regulatory submissions, and any map where the data must be legible in black-and-white printing. Pair with the Technical — Sharp Borders theme for formal documents.
Satellite Basemap: Investor Presentations and Location Maps
The Satellite basemap shows real aerial imagery, giving investors immediate visual context for terrain, vegetation, access roads, and infrastructure. It is the most compelling basemap for investor materials and is especially effective for properties with distinct topographic features. Reduce the Reference Labels overlay opacity to 50% so place names are readable without overwhelming the imagery.
Topographic Basemap: Infrastructure and Field Maps
The Topographic basemap shows contour lines and elevation shading. It is ideal for infrastructure maps (road access, drill site planning), environmental assessments, and field geology maps where elevation context matters. Pair with the Terrain — Earthy & Warm theme for a cohesive look.
Dark Basemap: Digital Presentations and Social Media
The Dark basemap provides a high-contrast background that makes coloured data layers glow. It is best for digital-first content: website graphics, social media posts, and on-screen investor day presentations. It is not suitable for printed materials or formal technical documents.
Reference Overlays: Adding Context to Any Basemap
Regardless of which basemap you choose, the Context overlay adds roads, water bodies, and towns. The Reference Labels overlay adds place names. The Railway Network overlay adds rail infrastructure. These overlays work on top of any basemap and can be fine-tuned with the Overlay Opacity slider.