A basemap provides a background, or visual context, for the data on a map. For example, a basemap showing streets can provide context for your address data. ArcGIS includes several different types of basemaps for you to use in Esri Maps for IBM Cognos, including aerial imagery, terrain, streets, and topographic data. The default basemap displayed on the map is determined by your administrator. You can change the basemap at any time to one of the other maps provided.