MapTools
GADM
vs
Natural Earth

GADM: Administrative boundaries for every country. Natural Earth: Public domain map data at small scales.

GADMNatural Earth
CategoryOpen Geodata SourcesOpen Geodata Sources
Pricing modelFreeFree
Starts atFreeFree
Free tier——
Open sourceNoNo
Software licence——
API——
PlatformsData downloadData download
Made by——
Commercial useNot allowedAllowed
Export / print imagesAllowedAllowed
Offline / cachingCheck termsAllowed
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GADM features

  • Admin levels 0 to 5
  • All countries
  • Shapefile, GeoPackage, GeoJSON

Free for academic and other non-commercial use. Redistribution and commercial use are not allowed without permission.

GADM alternatives

Natural Earth features

  • Admin boundaries
  • Physical features
  • Three scales
  • Public domain

Public domain. No permission needed; credit appreciated.

Natural Earth alternatives

Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.