> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/using-mapping-data-services/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/using-mapping-data-services/bas-mapping-services/antarctica-and-southern-ocean-basemap-for-desktop-gis.md).

# Antarctica and Southern Ocean basemap for Desktop GIS

We provide a south pole projected Antarctica and Southern Ocean basemap as a web service, which can be loaded in to Desktop GIS. 

The basemap is updated every 6 months to reflect changes to the coastline and to include updated elevation and bathymetry data, as appropriate. It is a WMTS service hosted using ArcGIS Online and is also included in the ArcGIS Living Atlas. 

This guide will run through [how to add it to a QGIS Project](#using-the-basemap-in-qgis).

{% embed url="<https://arcg.is/1en1P1>" %}
Demonstration of Antarctica and Southern Ocean basemap
{% endembed %}

## Using the basemap in QGIS

In the main menu, navigate to **Layer** > **Add Layer** > **Add WMS/WMTS Layer...**.

Select **New** to create a new service connection.&#x20;

Complete the dialogue box as follows, and then click **Ok**:

1. Tick the 'Ignore axis orientation' box,&#x20;
2. enter a name, ie. 'Antarctica and Southern Ocean' and&#x20;
3. enter the following url into the URL box:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```html
https://tiles.arcgis.com/tiles/tPxy1hrFDhJfZ0Mf/arcgis/rest/services/Antarctica_and_the_Southern_Ocean/MapServer/wmts
```

{% endcode %}

<figure><img src="/files/9KORBf6sqbIFxMPKkS1u" alt=""><figcaption><p>Connection details dialogue box</p></figcaption></figure>

Click **Connect**. Once the service has connected, select the Antarctica and Southern Ocean layer and click **Add.**

<figure><img src="/files/h9bGcLQrkgTgO3Y5biQu" alt=""><figcaption><p>Once you connect to the service, the layer will appear in this list to select and add to your QGIS project</p></figcaption></figure>

**Close the Data Source Manager window**, and the basemap will be loaded in to use within the project.

<figure><img src="/files/miAkXUdZIyIDGbVpg7qh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

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