Choose the map resource type

In the context of HERE Map Image API, the term resources refers to specific types of map image or visual content that you can request and retrieve programmatically. These resources are the fundamental units of data that constitute a map visualization. The HERE Map Image API provides base, background, label, and blank resource types.

Optional: Get the list of supported resource types

To obtain the current list of supported resource types in the HERE Map Image API, make a request to the /info endpoint, as shown in the following example:

https://image.maps.hereapi.com/mia/v3/info
?apiKey={YOUR_API_KEY}

Result: The API responds with a JSON file that lists the supported map image resource types in the resources array, as shown in the following example:

{
  ...
  "resources": [
    "background",
    "base",
    "blank",
    "label"
  ],
  ...
}

You can use any of the values in the returned array to specify the type of the underlying resource type your map images.

Request the base resource type

This resource serves as the default option for generating map images. The base resource encompasses all necessary data to create a comprehensive map visualization, incorporating label text, polygons, lines, points, and other visual elements.

Sample request:

https://image.maps.hereapi.com/mia/v3/base/mc/center:1.284306,103.854835;zoom=13/300x300/png
?apiKey={YOUR_API_KEY}

Response:

Request the background resource type

This resource type excludes text while retaining polygons, lines, and points that aren't rendered as text or icons. This resource type offers basic map imagery and visual content, ideal for displaying detailed satellite or terrain views.

Sample request:

https://image.maps.hereapi.com/mia/v3/background/mc/center:1.284306,103.854835;zoom=13/300x300/png
?apiKey={YOUR_API_KEY}

Response:

Request the label resource type

The label resource is distinct from the background resource because it exclusively deals with textual data. This resource type provides textual information linked to such map features as street names and points of interest. The resulting map image from the label resource features a blank, transparent background, with non-textual data such as polygons, lines, or points filtered out.

Sample request:

https://image.maps.hereapi.com/mia/v3/label/mc/center:1.284306,103.854835;zoom=13/300x300/png
?apiKey={YOUR_API_KEY}

Response:

Request the blank resource type

The blank resource creates transparent images with no existing map data. However, it allows you to add specific features or information onto the blank map image. This means that while the blank resource removes all content initially, it enables you to include only the specific features or data onto the blank map. For example, you can overlay vehicle restrictions on a blank map and then apply this transparent map image onto another map image.

Sample request:

https://image.maps.hereapi.com/mia/v3/blank/mc/center:1.284306,103.854835;zoom=13/300x300/png
?apiKey={YOUR_API_KEY}
&features=vehicle_restrictions:active_and_inactive

Response:

Next steps

• To explore all supported endpoints and parameters, see the API Reference.
• To gain more hands-on experience with the HERE Map Image API see the Tutorials section of this guide.