Map Browser

 Map Browser

In 2010, the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency launched the Map Browser, where all users could access and view the Agency’s core geospatial data in one place free of charge. The Map Browser has since become the most popular e-service provided by the Agency.

In 2021, an updated version of the Map Browser (v5), titled “LGIA Maps”, was released.

“LGIA Maps” provides access to the core geospatial datasets prepared by the Agency for the territory of Latvia, as well as datasets from other data holders (such as the State Land Service, the Nature Conservation Agency, etc.).

In addition to browsing data, “LGIA Maps” offers a range of tools via its toolbar:

  • select map layers;

  • search by address, place name, administrative territory, cadastral number, map sheet index, or coordinates;

  • share location;

  • draw custom objects;

  • add external layers (SHP, GPX, KML files, as well as WMS services);

  • determine current location;

  • prepare printouts.

Available Geospatial Data Layers in “LGIA Maps”

  • Base maps

    • overview map (based on a 1:10,000 topographic map);

    • hybrid map (combining orthophotos from cycles 6 and 7 with State Land Service road and street data);

    • infrared hybrid map (orthophotos from cycles 6 and 7 combined with State Land Service road and street data).

  • Relief (terrain)

    • (All data prepared using airborne laser scanning / LiDAR data)

    • contour lines;

    • visualisations of the digital terrain model (DTM) and digital surface model (DSM) with 40 cm resolution;

    • digital terrain model with a regular grid spacing of 20 m.

  • Topographic maps

    • overview maps at scales 1:1,000,000; 1:500,000; 1:250,000;

    • topographic maps at scale 1:50,000 (2nd and 3rd editions);

    • topographic maps at scale 1:10,000 (3rd and 4th editions);

    • topographic plans at scale 1:2,000 for cities and densely populated areas;

    • satellite map at scale 1:50,000.

  • Orthophoto maps (colour from cycle 2, infrared from cycle 3 onwards)

    • Cycle 1 (1994–1999);

    • Cycle 2 (2001–2005);

    • Cycle 3 (2005–2008);

    • Cycle 4 (2010–2011);

    • Cycle 5 (2013–2015);

    • Cycle 6 (2016–2018);

    • Cycle 7 (2019–2021).

  • Map index systems and coverage schemes

    • map sheet index (TKS, UTM);

    • coverage schemes: LiDAR scanning dates, contour map coverage (1:10,000), historical topographic maps (1:75,000), aerial photography timelines;

    • publication coverage schemes for: topographic plans (1:2,000); topographic maps (1:10,000, 3rd and 4th editions); topographic maps (1:50,000 TKS, 3rd edition); topographic maps (1:50,000 UTM).

  • Addresses

    • data from the State Address Register maintained by the State Land Service.

  • Boundaries

    • administrative boundary data maintained by the State Land Service; national border.

  • Geodesy

    • national geodetic network points.

  • Place Names Database

    • line and point features from the Place Names Database (PNDB).

  • Significant objects

    • The database includes information on: springs; wastewater treatment plants; fords and ferry crossings; dams; tall vertical structures; healthcare institutions; bridges; educational institutions.

  • Historical maps

    • Latvian topographic maps at scale 1:75,000 (published between 1922 and 1940).

  • Data from other institutions

    • protected nature areas maintained by the Nature Conservation Agency.

A video tutorial for the Map Browser is available here.

The user guide for the Map Browser is available here.