OpenStreetMap Data Free Crowdsourced World Data

Type: POLYGON

These polygon-based layers contain administrative areas that represent national and subnational regions. They are classified according to an "admin level", which ranges from 1 to 11.

The adminarea data is divided into separate layers (and therefore distinct Shapefiles) for each available admin level. Lower admin levels like 2 or 3 represent larger regions (nations, states, provinces), while higher level numbers like 8 or 9 represent smaller regions (towns, municipalities, settlements).

If there are any adminareas that do not have a level assigned, they will be placed in an adminareas_general layer. Additionally, the region you have downloaded may also have an adminareas.shp file which contains all of the adminarea features, regardless of their level, in a single layer.

Many countries in OpenStreetMap assign different meanings to the various adminarea levels. The official OpenStreetMap wiki offers a comprehensive matrix of admin level definitions so that you can see which level corresponds to which kind of region for the area you are downloading.

In general, countries of the world may use admin levels from 2 to 10, with the only approved level-1 adminarea being the European Union. Additionally, some countries (such as Germany and the Netherlands) use an 11th admin level for neighborhoods and the like.

Data Columns

Type: LINE

This line-based layer contains only the boundaries, or borders, of administrative areas that represent national and subnational regions. They are classified according to an "admin level", which ranges from 1 to 11.

The boundaries follow the same "admin level" classification convention that applies to the adminarea Shapefiles. They are, in fact, used as the basis for creation of the adminarea polygons. There are some regions where the boundary line data may be incomplete.

Data Columns

Type: POLYGON

This polygon-based layer contains the outlines of buildings and structures.

The accuracy (and indeed, existence) of this data varies widely from region to region. Features on this layer may represent a structure as small as a hut or as large as an aircraft hangar.

Data Columns

Type: LINE

This line-based layer contains only the coastal borders of the region you have downloaded; in other words, only those which are adjacent to bodies of water (lakes, oceans, etc.).

Landlocked countries or regions may not have this file in their zip package, as in this case no coastal borders exist.

Data Columns

Type: POLYGON

This polygon-based layer defines areas of land that are used by people for various purposes. Examples include farms, industrial areas, cemeteries, forests, landfills and reservoirs.

Data Columns

Type: POINT

This point-based layer contains places such as cities, towns, villages, etc. In OpenStreetMap, the type of place is typically determined by its population.

Data Columns

Type: POINT

This point-based layer contains places of worship such as churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.

Data Columns

Type: POINT

This point-based layer contains points of interest, which may range from schools and government buildings to retail shops and restaurants, hospitals, museums, etc.

In OpenStreetMap parlance, these are usually referred to as amenities.

Data Columns

Type: POINT

This point-based layer contains the locations of places related to power infrastructure (towers, sub stations, generating plants, etc.)

Data Columns

Type: LINE

This line-based layer identifies power supply and transmission lines.

Data Columns

Type: LINE

This line-based layer identifies railways, including mainline railways, light rail, metros, trams and so forth.

Data Columns

Type: POINT

This point-based layer identifies railway stations, including tram stops and local halts.

Data Columns

Type: LINE

This line-based layer contains roads, highways, bike trails, footpaths and other types of road surfaces. It is often one of the most complex layers in the package.

Data Columns

Type: POLYGON

This polygon-based layer defines bodies of water (lakes, harbors, bays, some large rivers, etc.).

In OpenStreetMap, some larger rivers may also be available as line-based geometry in the waterways.shp file.

Data Columns

Type: LINE

This line-based layer contains waterways such as rivers, streams, canals and drains.

Data Columns