How to Change the Map Type and Save a Default

Learn how to switch between the map types in Landchecker and to set the one you want the map to open on every time you log in. Open Map Types from the map controls in the bottom left corner, click the map type you want, then click the star on that map type to save it as your default.

The map types available to you depend on your plan. All map types are available on the Standard, Advanced and Enterprise plans. Free plan members have the default street map only.

A map type is the imagery or cartography the map itself is drawn in. It is different to a map layer, which is data drawn over the top of the map. Changing the map type changes what the ground looks like. It does not turn any of your map layers on or off.

Landchecker has five map types:

The map redraws in the map type you selected and the control collapses back to a single thumbnail showing your new selection. Your Base Map layers are re-applied automatically when the map type changes, so layers such as Roads and Places stay on across the switch.

If you select a map type in an area it does not cover, a message appears at the bottom of the screen telling you what you are viewing instead, for example "Zoom in to see High-Res Coverage. You are viewing Satellite Imagery."

Saving a default means Landchecker opens on that map type every time you start a new session, so you do not have to switch to it each time.

The star stays filled on that map type to show it is your saved default, and the map type is stored in your account preferences. The next time you log in, the map opens on that map type.

You can only save one map type as your default. Clicking the star on a different map type replaces your previous default rather than adding to it.

Your default map type and your default Base Map layers are two separate preferences that work together:

So if your default map type is Coloured-Infrared (CIR) and you have turned every Base Map layer off, the map opens on CIR with no base map layers over it. If your default map type is Satellite and Properties is your only saved Base Map layer, the map opens on Satellite with property boundaries showing. To change which Base Map layers are saved, see [How to Set Which Base Map Layers Display by Default].

If you have never saved a default map type, the map opens on the standard default map type for your account.

The map types you can select depend on your plan.

If a map type you need is not in your map controls, check what is included on your plan or speak with your account admin. Where high-resolution aerial imagery is included on your plan but appears locked, your account admin needs to enable it for you.

Different map types answer different questions about a site. Here is how they support common ways different professionals use Landchecker.

Set High Resolution Aerial Imagery as your default so every property you open shows the roof, driveway and yard in detail without an extra click. Switch to Street Map when you want a clean view to talk a client through streets, schools and shops.

Use High Resolution Aerial Imagery to read existing structures, hardstand and vegetation on a site, then switch to Satellite where a regional site sits outside high-resolution coverage. Coloured-Infrared (CIR) helps you judge vegetation cover on a site before you commission an arborist.

Default to the map type you use most in your assessments so your view is consistent from job to job. Switch to Standard Aerial Imagery or Satellite where you need a comparable view across a wider area than high-resolution coverage reaches.

Street Map gives you a clean, uncluttered view for getting your bearings on a parcel and its surrounding streets. Use aerial imagery when you need to see fences, structures and access relative to a boundary, alongside the title and plan of subdivision rather than in place of them.

Switch between High Resolution Aerial Imagery and Coloured-Infrared (CIR) to read built form and canopy cover on and around a site. Street Map is useful for reading the street and block pattern you are designing into.

Open the map controls in the bottom left corner of the map, hover over the map type you want, then click the star icon that appears on it. That map type is saved as your default and the map opens on it the next time you log in.

One. Clicking the star on a different map type replaces your existing default.

The map type previously called Base Map is now called Street Map. Base Map is now the name of the category in the Map Layers panel that holds Roads, Footpaths, Places, Parcel Labels and Properties.

The map type previously called Lidar is now called Coloured-Infrared (CIR). It shows near-infrared imagery, which renders healthy vegetation in red and is used to assess vegetation vigour and cover.

A map type is the imagery or cartography the map is drawn in, such as Satellite or Street Map. A map layer is data drawn over the top of the map, such as planning zones or flood extents. Changing the map type does not turn your map layers off.

Yes. Your saved default Base Map layers are re-applied automatically on every map type change, including Street Map, Satellite, Standard Aerial, High-Resolution Aerial and Coloured-Infrared (CIR).

The map types available to you depend on your plan. All five are available on the Advanced and Enterprise plans, and Free plan members have the default base map only. If a map type you need is missing, check what is included on your plan or speak with your account admin.

High-resolution aerial imagery covers metro and key regional areas of Australia, so it has not been flown everywhere. Where it is not available at your location or zoom level, the map falls back to satellite imagery and shows a message at the bottom of the screen telling you what you are viewing.

If you have questions or need help, use the live chat in the platform and our team will be happy to assist.