> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.backtrackmaps.com/backtrack-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.backtrackmaps.com/backtrack-docs/mapping/creating-a-map/choosing-a-base-map.md).

# Choosing a Base Map

The base map is the starting point for your map, and the foundation that all other layers are stacked on top of.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Desktop" %}

<figure><img src="https://1588017020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrwRXkjdZS4xacoTceKjy%2Fuploads%2FHx1bpgzs6GMlIamhou3N%2FBase%20Map%20(Web).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=ea9cba7b-da6c-41a1-9a65-f6b22cf8b93e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Mobile" %}

<figure><img src="https://1588017020-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrwRXkjdZS4xacoTceKjy%2Fuploads%2FawvZUVeTaT6aPvT99wel%2FBase%20Map%20(Mobile).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=816a6cd2-5f4a-4a1b-a691-d568b60c48d5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

### Available base maps

* **Outdoors**: the default base map. Tailored for outdoor activities with terrain shading, contours, and trails.
* **Satellite**: global satellite imagery from Mapbox with trails and streets overlaid.
* **Light**: low-profile map great for viewing data overlays on.
* **Dark**: low-profile map great for viewing data overlays on.