Download base map data in Surfer

1. Google Maps XYZ tiles (Please note this feature requires current software maintenance or an active subscription)
2. WMS, WFS, and OSM servers. Surfer comes with a select few of the thousands of available servers predefined.  You can also browse through our Web Services KB for other server options.
3. Government agencies for your region such as the US Geological Survey, US Census Bureau, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States.
4. Public and private data providers some of whom we've outlined in our Useful links webpage.

How to create a Surfer base map from Google Maps data

1. Click Home | New Map | Base | Base from Server.
2. In the Download Online Maps dialog,
   1. In the Select Data Source section, expand the XYZ Tiles folder
   2. Expand the Google folder and select the desired map type
   3. In the Select Area to Download section, select the location you wish to download the image for. Note: If you are adding a base layer from a server to an existing georeferenced map that has a coordinate system defined for it, this section would automatically be filled in with the existing map extents.
3. In the Select Image Resolution to Download section, you can adjust the resolution and file size to your desired settings.
4. Click OK. The image downloads from the server and is automatically loaded as a base map in Surfer.

How to create a Surfer base map using WMS, WFS, or OSM data 

1. Click Home | New Map | Base | Base from Server.
2. In the Download Online Maps dialog,
1. In the Select Data Source section, select the layer from your desired server. For example, expand OpenStreetMaps  Imagery and select the OSM Mapnik layer.
2. In the Select Area to Download section, select the location you wish to download the image for. For example, Specify Latitude/Longitude extents and then enter your extents (ex: West = -105.27, East = -105.17, South = 39.73, North = 39.79).  Note: If you are adding a base layer from a server to an existing georeferenced map that has a coordinate system defined for it, this section would automatically be filled in with the existing map extents.
3. In the Select Image Resolution to Download section, move the slider to the right a couple notches. This increases the resolution for the image you are downloading. For example, you can select to download the image.
4. Click OK. The image downloads from the server and is automatically loaded as a base map in Surfer. If that doesn't look quite what you want, you could look through some of the other servers, or browse through our Web services KB for other server options.

Updated April 2025