For power users, it’s the difference between using a map app and owning a map app. The XML file is a master override. When the apocalypse comes and the commercial map servers go dark, Oruxmaps users with a community XML file will still be pulling tiles from academic mirrors, OpenStreetMap clones, and cached personal archives.
The onlinemapsources.xml file is the configuration backbone for online mapping in , allowing users to integrate various map providers beyond the default list . By modifying or adding this file, you can access satellite imagery, topographic maps, and specialized layers like nautical or weather charts. Core Functionality
Every map provider inside the XML file is contained within an tag. Understanding this structure allows you to build your own custom map entries.
Manually writing XML for 100+ map servers is tedious. Fortunately, the Oruxmaps community maintains shared collections.
Check your IDs to make sure they are unique. In the OruxMaps online map selection screen, look for a Refresh button or icon at the top of the menu to force the app to rescan the modified XML file. Important Usage Warnings and Best Practices Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml
Adding custom maps involves creating XML entries for them. Here is how to do it without being a coding expert: 1. Locate/Create Your XML Entry
Without this file, Oruxmaps cannot connect to any third-party tile server. The default file included with the app is intentionally minimal to avoid copyright violations. The responsibility—and freedom—is yours to populate it.
To create your own map sources, you need to understand the XML structure. //oruxmaps.com/forum/index.php?topic=21080.0">OruxMaps Forum :
Custom Topo Map 0 17 MERCATOREG OruxMaps 1 1 5000 4 Use code with caution. Key Parameter Definitions For power users, it’s the difference between using
Understanding the onlinemap parameters allows you to add any web-based map:
If you have too many maps and want to remove some from the visible list, there is a simple way to do it. Just click and hold on the name of the map card in the list. After a while, it will disappear from the list.
There’s even a dark art of — combining multiple <url> tags to fall back if one server fails, or overlaying transparent weather radar on top of a topo map.
Wrap all URLs inside containers to protect special characters. The onlinemapsources
Or within the app-specific sandboxed directory under Android/data/com.orux.oruxmaps/files/oruxmaps/mapfiles/
You can find pre-made map sources in forums, Telegram groups (like OruxMapsGPS ), or sites like AnyGIS . 2. Edit the customonlinemaps.xml File
OpenTopoMap 0 17 MERCATORD a,b,c 1 1 Use code with caution. USGS Topo (United States Only)
What are you planning? (e.g., hiking, marine navigation, off-roading)