How to create tiles from raster data

Creating your own map by overlaying a raster image over an online map is very easy with MapTiler Engine. This article will teach you how to master the whole process step-by-step.

If you don't have MapTiler Engine yet, you can download it here.

Select the workflow

Rendering workflow is automatically selected by adding raster data in supported format. You can simply drag & drop an image: an aerial photo, a drawing made in GIS, Photoshop, AutoCAD, a picture of an old map, or anything you wish to visualize in your map. You can also select a file from the file dialog by clicking the "Open a file" button.

Setting the coordinate system

MapTiler Engine detects the coordinate system automatically. If it's not possible to detect the coordinate system automatically, you'll be prompted to set it manually by the popup. 

To change the coordinates system navigate to the "Coordinates" dropdown menu located on the right side of the map window. This is also the only way of setting coordinates in case of adding multiple files at once, when there are not any prompts or popups.

Setting the geolocation

Another information necessary for placing your data onto the map is geolocation. Aain, it may already be contained in your imagery and in that case, MapTiler Engine detects the geolocation automatically and you don't have to bother. Other way, geographical popup will show and let you choose from different forms of geolocation input. The most intuitive way is using the  "Assign location visually" tool (see the detailed description).

To change the geolocation, navigate to the "Geolocation" dropdown menu located on the right side of the map window. 

Preview of the data

Once all the necessary data is set, you'll be able to preview your data as a footprint in the map. If you are satisfied with the settings, click "Continue".

Choosing the output format

Now, choose whether you want to render your map into the Folder, MBTiles, or GeoPackage format. In the bottom of the page, you can also select a different output coordinates system. When you are done, proceed by clicking the "Continue" button.

Specify the output settings

Here on the last rendering-related page, you can adjust the output settings like the format of the tiles, or the zoom levels of your map. However, using the default settings should produce satisfying results. Proceed by clicking the "Continue" button and choosing the output location.

Publish your map

In the next page you select where you'd like to upload your tileset. MapTiler Cloud is the first and recommended option (described here). If you wish to save your data only locally, or upload it later, select "Skip upload". Then click "Continue".

Preview the results

When the processing is complete, you'll see the preview of your map with your picture perfectly matched with its geographical position. From here, you can either start over, edit the project or navigate to your output location.

Useful links

Georeferencing
Choosing the coordinate reference system in MapTiler Engine
MapTiler Engine workflows