Through the menu, you can navigate to the Online maps to MBtiles layout option. This tool downloads targeted chunks of online basemaps and packages them directly into a standalone SQLite-based .mbtiles container file.
This software has implemented key parts of Esri’s "GeoServices REST Specification" and the Open Geospatial Consortium's (OGC) WMTS (Web Map Tile Service) specification. For those unfamiliar with these technical terms, this simply means the software speaks the "languages" that professional GIS software like ArcGIS and many third-party APIs understand. By "wrapping" various data sources, PBS can present a consistent REST and WMTS basemap service, effectively turning your local files into a fully functional map server.
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Port already in use | Change the port with -p 9090 | | MBTiles not showing | Ensure the file is not read-only and is a valid SQLite3 database. | | Remote devices can't connect | Check Windows Firewall; add an inbound rule for the port (e.g., TCP 8080). | | Slow tile loading | Convert JPEG tiles to PNG or reduce tile size. Use an SSD. |
The tool is often distributed as a standalone, "portable" .zip file, meaning it does not require a formal installation process. Portable Basemap Server V3.1.zip Download
While there are various methods for taking basemaps offline, the Portable Basemap Server stands out for its flexibility and ease of use. Version 3.1 introduced several optimizations that make it a staple in the GIS community:
Consider using to generate MBTiles, then serve them with a simple Python HTTP server or TileServer-PHP (open-source).
Note: As of March 2026, ArcMap has officially retired, but these types of local services are often still compatible with ArcGIS Pro. What are some alternatives to Portable Basemap Server? Through the menu, you can navigate to the
When using the built-in batch conversion tools to compile wide geographic extents into an .mbtiles container database, standard mechanical hard drives (5400/7200 RPM HDDs) often cause severe disk write bottlenecks.
In , go to the Catalog tree -> GIS Servers -> Add WMTS Server. Paste the URL and click Get Layers. Drag the new map service into your map layout. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Is Portable Basemap Server V3.1 Free?
Look below the control panel for the newly generated URL string. Click to grab the localized OGC WMTS configuration link. For those unfamiliar with these technical terms, this
Extract the contents to a folder on your local machine (e.g., C:\PBS ). Run: Execute the PortableBasemapServer.exe file.
PBS converts complex or native web map APIs directly into standardized Web Map Tile Service (WMTS) or ArcGIS Server REST endpoints.
Run the application as an Administrator.