geoBoundaries is a free and open-source database of political administrative boundaries. It provides high-quality boundary files for countries around the world, making it easy for GIS users to create accurate, policy-relevant maps. Whether you're mapping election data, population stats, or public services, geoBoundaries gives you the shapes to start.
What Is geoBoundaries?
geoBoundaries is a project led by the William & Mary geoLab. Its goal is to provide the world’s most accessible and comprehensive database of political boundaries. It focuses on subnational and administrative boundaries—like states, counties, and districts.
The data is:
- Globally standardized
- Openly licensed
- Available in common GIS formats
What It Offers
geoBoundaries provides:
- Country-level boundaries (national borders)
- First-level divisions (e.g. states, provinces)
- Second-level divisions (e.g. counties, districts)
- Sometimes third-level or lower, depending on the country
Each file includes:
- Polygon geometry
- Administrative names
- Unique IDs
- Metadata and license info
All boundaries align with real-world legal or administrative zones.
Formats and Access
You can download geoBoundaries data in:
- Shapefile (.shp)
- GeoJSON
- KML
Every file is bundled with metadata, licensing information, and a README.
Access it at: geoboundaries.org. You can search by country or use the API to automate downloads.
Licensing
Each dataset is clearly labeled with its license.
Common licenses include:
- Public Domain
- Open Data Commons
- Creative Commons
geoBoundaries ensures all data is legally shareable and reusable. Some files are marked as “humanitarian” if their boundaries are meant for neutral aid use.
Use Cases in GIS
Demographic Mapping
Combine boundaries with population data for local-level analysis.
Health and Public Services
Visualize clinics, schools, or social programs by administrative region.
Environmental Policy
Map deforestation, flooding, or air quality by district or province.
Elections and Politics
Create maps of election results by official voting areas.
International Comparisons
Compare urban or rural indicators across standard country units.
Working in GIS Tools Like Atlas
geoBoundaries files are plug-and-play in Atlas, QGIS, ArcGIS, or any tool that supports shapefiles or GeoJSON.
To use:
- Download the right level for your country.
- Import the shapefile or GeoJSON into your GIS tool.
- Join it with other data using the unique ID or admin name.
- Style or filter as needed.
The files are lightweight and clean—ideal for web-based mapping.
Key Advantages
- Truly global – Every recognized country is included.
- Open license – No restrictions on sharing or use.
- Standardized formats – Easy integration into workflows.
- Regular updates – Boundary changes are tracked over time.
Limitations
- Not authoritative for every country – Depends on available public sources.
- Disputed borders – geoBoundaries avoids taking sides, which may differ from national sources.
- Resolution varies – Some regions have more detailed shapes than others.
Still, for most GIS needs, it’s one of the best open sources available.
