How to connect to an external WMS
This guide will take you through the steps to take to successfully connect an OGC WMS server to Azimap.Time to complete: 5 mins
Contents
1. Getting started
2. Choosing a layer type
3. Connecting to the WMS
1. Getting started
To get started select the Create Dataset button either on the DataSets Catalog
Select Create or Connect on the first stage of the wizard.
2 Choosing the layer type
At the next stage of the wizard, select the WMS dataset to create/add.
3 Adding the data
Give the dataset a name and optionally a description
Enter the URL of the WMS service into the WMS URL textbox. For this tutorial we will be using Flood Warning Areas - the WMS URL is referenced at the bottom of this tutorial.
and click Retrieve Layers to download the list of available layers in the WMS server.
Select a layer using the checkboxes and a supported projection (SRS) and Save the layer.
After saving you can create a new map with the layer added by clicking the Open Map button.
Once loaded, the map will show Flood Warning Areas in England — areas where the Environment Agency provides a flood-warning service
If you haven't signed up yet go to the Azimap website and click REGISTER.
Flood Warning Areas WMS
Data source: Environment Agency – Flood Warning Areas · Licence: Open Government Licence · Attribution: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2025. All rights reserved. · View official dataset
WMS URL:
https://environment.data.gov.uk/spatialdata/flood-warning-areas/wms