MapTools
geoBoundaries
vs
OpenStreetMap

geoBoundaries: Open administrative boundaries with permissive licences. OpenStreetMap: The free, editable map of the world built by volunteers.

geoBoundariesOpenStreetMap
CategoryOpen Geodata SourcesBasemaps & Map Tiles
Pricing modelFreeFree
Starts atFreeFree
Free tier——
Open sourceNoYes
Software licence—ODbL (data)
API——
PlatformsData download, APIWeb, Data download
Made by—OpenStreetMap Foundation
Commercial useAllowedAllowed
Export / print imagesAllowedAllowed
Offline / cachingCheck termsAllowed
Visits from MapTools110
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geoBoundaries features

  • Global admin boundaries
  • Open licences
  • API and downloads

Most boundaries are CC BY 4.0 or similar; check each country's licence.

geoBoundaries alternatives

OpenStreetMap features

  • Global map data under ODbL
  • Editable by anyone
  • Data extracts and full planet downloads
  • Foundation for most open map services

Data is licensed under ODbL: free to use, including commercially, with attribution. Produced works such as map images can carry any licence; derivative databases must stay under ODbL. The standard tile server at tile.openstreetmap.org follows a strict usage policy and must not be used for heavy traffic or bulk downloading.

OpenStreetMap alternatives

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