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Overview
Natural Earth is a public domain map dataset featuring integrated vector and raster data.
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Collection Content
Natural Earth is a public domain map dataset available at 1:10 million (1 cm = 100 km), 1:50 million, and 1:110 million map scales. It is free for public use in any type of project.
The generalized linework maintains consistent, recognizable geographic shapes at 1:10m, 1:50m, and 1:110m scales. Natural Earth was built from the ground up so all data layers align precisely with one another. For example, where rivers and country borders are one and the same, the lines are coincident.
Most data contain embedded feature names, which are ranked by relative importance. Other attributes facilitate faster map production, such as width attributes assigned to river segments for creating tapers.
There are three types of downloadable data:
- Large Scale Data, 1:10m. The most detailed, suitable for making zoomed-in maps of countries and regions
- Medium Scale Data, 1:50m. Suitable for making zoomed-out maps of countries and regions.
- Small Scale Data, 1:110m. Suitable for schematic maps of the world on a postcard or as a small locator globe.
Delivery
For new users, the Natural Earth quick start kit provides a small sample of Natural Earth themes styled in an ArcMap. Large and medium data can be browsed by Cultural, Physical and Raster themes while the small data can be browsed by Cultural and Physical themes.
All of datasets can be downloaded into a zip file onto the user's computer. The platform provides metadata for each dataset on general description, values, and version history.
Terms
All versions of Natural Earth raster and vector map data on the Natural Earth website are in the public domain. Users are permitted to use the maps in any manner, including modifying the content and design, electronic dissemination, and offset printing. Contributors agree to renounce all financial claim to the maps and invites you to use them for personal, educational, and commercial purposes. No permission is needed to use Natural Earth, crediting the authors is unnecessary.
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