# CARTO Basemaps

[Does CARTO provide a basemap service?](#does-carto-provide-a-basemap-service)

[What is the pricing for CARTO basemaps? Is it free?](#what-is-the-pricing-for-carto-basemaps-is-it-free)

[How frequently does CARTO update its basemaps?](#how-frequently-does-carto-update-its-basemaps)

[Can I use other basemaps in CARTO?](#can-i-use-other-basemaps-in-carto)

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### **Does CARTO provide a basemap service?**

Yes. We provide a basemap service using vector tiles, and we make them automatically available in all the components in the CARTO platform (Builder, Workflows, etc...), for all users.

Our basemaps are also compatible with Maplibre GL JS, so that [developers using deck.gl and CARTO for Developers can make use of it in their own applications](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/carto-for-deck.gl/basemaps.md).

The data for the CARTO basemaps is based on OpenStreetMap. Our basemaps are fully managed and powered by CARTO, including our own CDN, which makes them performant, scalable and customizable. Developers and users can choose between multiple [predefined basemap styles](https://github.com/CartoDB/basemap-styles), or even design their own styles following the *OpenMapTiles* specifications.

<figure><img src="/files/Niw8WBUBVcoXkxQp3wec" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **What is the pricing for CARTO basemaps? Is it free?**

For commercial purposes, you will need an Enterprise license in order to use the CARTO Basemaps. To find out more about [pricing](https://carto.com/pricing/), [request a demo](https://carto.com/request-live-demo/) & we’ll be able to discuss your use case with you.

For non-commercial purposes, our basemaps can be used for free in applications and visualizations by [CARTO grantees](https://carto.com/grants/) (full T\&Cs available [here](https://carto.com/legal/)).

Once you have a license or a grant, basemaps do not incur in additional costs, and you can use them as much as needed.

### **How frequently does CARTO update its basemaps?**

At a minimum, CARTO updates the underlying data for its basemaps **at least once a year,** including new roads, labels, areas, and other data points. Most years we provide updates every 3 or 6 months so that data is fresh and up-to-date, but the schedule and frequency is not guaranteed.

### **Can I use other basemaps in CARTO?**

Yes! While customers and grantees can automatically make use of our basemaps, you can use any other basemap service of your preference:

* CARTO provides out-of-the-box integration for [Google Maps basemaps in Builder](/carto-user-manual/maps/basemaps.md#google-maps-basemaps).
* Admins can configure [additional custom basemaps ](/carto-user-manual/settings/customizations/configuring-your-organization-basemaps.md)that will be available for their users in Builder
* Developers can integrate [any basemap provider in their CARTO + deck.gl applications](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/carto-for-deck.gl/basemaps.md).


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