# Basemaps (Maps)

In SeaSketch, *Maps* refer to base maps that are authored in MapBox and then imported into SeaSketch. You will need to create a MapBox account, create Mapbox style, publish it and then add the URL to your SeaSketch project.  

In Data Layers, choose Maps > Add New Map > By URL > and past the link below into the field that says Style Location. 

mapbox://styles/seasketch/clhao1xum01w901qm2wkd06tc

<figure><img src="https://3101925571-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FmrOjheW9v23epAZJDsmJ%2Fuploads%2FNooB7xctMIkUa1sBFPvf%2FScreenshot%202023-07-28%20at%2012.23.01%20PM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7c1a6e87-9acf-415f-9afb-b14cc3fccb70" alt=""><figcaption><p>Entering a custom MapBox style to use as a "Map". Maps are basemaps that appear underneat any data layers turned on. </p></figcaption></figure>

Select an area of the map to create a thumbnail.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3101925571-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FmrOjheW9v23epAZJDsmJ%2Fuploads%2FCKeNupxJojl48bFrcmCw%2FScreenshot%202023-07-28%20at%2012.24.44%20PM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5653aee1-98d2-41ed-90ad-254576f70db9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Selecting an area of the map to use as a thumbnail. </p></figcaption></figure>

After capturing and saving the thumbnail, the new map will be viewable by all users. They do not require "publishing" as do data layers shown above.&#x20;