# Connecting Data: Data Sources

The first step in the map‑publishing workflow is to connect JMap Cloud to your data by creating data sources (DS).

A data source is any service or file that provides information to JMap Cloud, including:

* **Spatial data** (vector or raster)
* **Non‑spatial tabular data**

JMap Cloud supports several types of data sources:

* **Spatial DS**
  * Vector files (GeoJSON, Shapefile, etc.)
  * Raster files (e.g., GeoTIFF)
  * WMS / WMTS services
  * Vector tile services
  * Feature services (OGC)
* **Non‑spatial DS**
  * CSV files
* **Synchronization with JMap Server**\
  A JMap Server administrator can synchronize data sources, layers, or even entire projects from a JMap Server instance into JMap Cloud. For more details, see the [JMap Server Administrator Manual](https://docs-jmapserver-lima.k2geospatial.com/e/administrator/jmap-server-administrator-manual).

In the **Data Sources** section of JMap Cloud Portal, you have tools to:

* **Upload** files (vector, raster, or CSV) to create new data sources.
* **Configure** direct connections to external data services (WMS, WMTS, vector tiles, feature services).

Once created, these data sources are immediately available for **creating map layers** and **tables** within your projects.