The onlinemapsources.xml file is the engine behind the massive library of maps available in OruxMaps, a popular outdoor navigation app for Android. While the app comes with several pre-loaded map sources like OpenStreetMap, this XML file allows users to manually add almost any online map service—including satellite, topographic, and marine charts—to their device. What is the onlinemapsources.xml File?
This file acts as a directory that tells OruxMaps where to find map tiles on the internet and how to display them. It contains parameters like URLs, zoom levels, and cache settings for each map source.
Primary File: Found at /oruxmaps/mapfiles/onlinemapsources.xml, this file is often overwritten during app updates.
Custom File: Users are encouraged to place their own version in /oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/onlinemapsources.xml. Files in this folder are protected from updates. How to Add Custom Map Sources
If you want to add a specific map (like Google Maps or a regional topographic layer), you can either download a pre-made XML or edit the file manually.
Find a Source: Many communities provide updated XML files. High-quality collections can be found on AnyGIS or in dedicated Telegram groups.
Move the File: Copy the downloaded onlinemapsources.xml into the /oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/ directory on your device.
Refresh the App: Open OruxMaps, go to Switch Map > Online, and tap the Refresh button (circular arrows) to load the new sources. Structure of a Map Source Entry
For those who want to code their own entries, each source follows a specific XML structure: Customize Onlinemapsources.xml - OruxMaps
Code Select Expand. 🔵 TopoGuide (GR) ©TopoGuide]]> 1 20 MERCATORESFERICA om 1 1 0 0 oruxmaps.com Customize Onlinemapsources.xml - Page 2 - OruxMaps
onlinemapsources.xml file is the heart of ' online capabilities, allowing you to add custom map providers (like Google, Bing, or regional topographic services) that aren't available in the app by default. 1. Key Storage Locations
OruxMaps looks for this file in two primary locations. It is highly recommended to use the Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml
folder to prevent your changes from being overwritten during app updates. Primary (Custom): oruxmaps/mapfiles/customonlinemaps/ (Safest location for personalized files). oruxmaps/mapfiles/ (Contains the default list of maps provided by the app). Note for Android 11+: Due to "Scoped Storage" rules, the path might be deeper:
/Android/data/com.orux.oruxmapsDonate/files/oruxmaps/mapfiles/ 2. Structure of an Online Map Source Each map source is defined within
A unique ID number (must not clash with other maps in your file). The name that will appear in your OruxMaps map list.
The template URL for the map tiles, often using placeholders like The zoom levels the map supports (usually 0 to 18 or 20).
Orux Maps is a popular GPS navigation and mapping application that allows users to plan and record their routes, tracks, and waypoints. One of the key features of Orux Maps is its ability to import and export data from various online map sources, which is made possible through the use of an XML file known as Online Map Sources.xml.
In this essay, we will explore the significance of the Online Map Sources.xml file in Orux Maps, its functionality, and how it enables users to access a wide range of online map sources.
What is Online Map Sources.xml?
The Online Map Sources.xml file is a configuration file used by Orux Maps to connect to various online map sources. The file contains a list of URLs, parameters, and other settings that allow Orux Maps to communicate with different map servers and retrieve map data. This file is usually provided by the map server administrators or by the Orux Maps developers.
Functionality of Online Map Sources.xml
The Online Map Sources.xml file plays a crucial role in enabling Orux Maps to access online map sources. When a user requests a map, Orux Maps reads the Online Map Sources.xml file and uses the information contained in it to connect to the corresponding map server. The file provides the necessary parameters, such as the map server URL, image format, and tile size, which allow Orux Maps to retrieve the map data.
Benefits of Online Map Sources.xml
The use of the Online Map Sources.xml file offers several benefits to Orux Maps users. Some of these benefits include:
Online Map Sources.xml file allows Orux Maps to connect to multiple online map sources, providing users with a wide range of map options.Online Map Sources.xml file can be easily updated or modified to add or remove map sources, providing users with the latest map data.Examples of Online Map Sources
Some examples of online map sources that can be accessed through the Online Map Sources.xml file include:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Online Map Sources.xml file is a critical component of Orux Maps, enabling users to access a wide range of online map sources. The file provides a simple and flexible way to configure Orux Maps to connect to different map servers, allowing users to retrieve map data and plan their routes. The use of this file has made Orux Maps a popular choice among GPS navigation and mapping enthusiasts.
Here’s a forum-style post you can use to share or ask about an Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml file. Just fill in the bracketed details as needed.
Title: Sharing my OruxMaps online map sources – Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml
Post:
Hi everyone,
I’ve put together a custom Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml file for OruxMaps (Android) that includes a bunch of useful online map sources. Thought I’d share it in case it’s helpful to others.
What’s inside:
Download link:
[Insert link to your XML file – Google Drive, Dropbox, or a pasted snippet]
How to install:
Oruxmaps Online Map Sources.xml file.Oruxmaps/files/mapfiles/ on your device (internal storage or SD card).Notes:
If you have issues or want to add other sources, let me know. Happy to update the XML.
Cheers,
[Your username]
Optional: If you want me to actually generate the full XML content (with a standard set of working map sources), just say the word and I’ll produce it for you to copy/paste.
Cause: Too many map sources (over 500) or a source with an unreachable server.
Fix: Split sources into multiple XML files (name them onlinemapsources1.xml, onlinemapsources2.xml). Oruxmaps loads all XML files in the mapfiles directory.
onlinemapsources.xml in a cloud folder (Dropbox, Nextcloud).oruxmaps/mapfiles/ nightly.Even a single typo can break the entire map sources list. Here are the most frequent issues.
The default Oruxmaps installation gives you a taste, but here is what custom sources provide:
Without editing online map sources.xml, you are limited to whatever the developer included at compile time. With it, the world’s cartography is at your fingertips.
Manually writing XML for 100+ map servers is tedious. Fortunately, the Oruxmaps community maintains shared collections. The onlinemapsources
Sometimes you need a specific tile server not found in community packs. For instance, a local government’s orthophoto service or a private WMS server.