Abstract (en): The boundaries of five different geographic areas -- North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia -- are digitally represented in this collection of data files that can be used in the production of computer maps. Each of the five areas is encoded in three distinct files: (1) coastline, islands, and lakes, (2) rivers, and (3) international boundaries. There is an additional file for North America (Part 4: North America: Internal Boundaries) delineating state lines in the United States and provincial boundaries in Canada. The data in each of the files is hierarchically structured into subordinate geographic features and ranks, which may be used for output plotting symbol definition. The mapping scale used to encode the data ranged from 1:1 million to 1:4 million. 2006-01-18 File CB8376.ALL.PDF was removed from any previous datasets and flagged as a study-level file, so that it will accompany all downloads. (1) There are seven variables and an unknown number of cases for each file. The number of records per case varies according to the number of latitude and longitude coordinates needed to display the particular geographic feature. (2) The codebook is provided by ICPSR as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file. The PDF file format was developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated and can be accessed using PDF reader software, such as the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Information on how to obtain a copy of the Acrobat Reader is provided on the ICPSR Web site.

World Continents represents the boundaries for the continents of the world. It provides a basemap layer of the continents, delivering a straightforward method of selecting a small multicountry area for display or study.This layer is best viewed out beyond a scale of 1:3,000,000. The original source was extracted from the ArcWorld Supplement database in 2001 and updated as country boundaries coincident to regional boundaries change. To download the data for this layer as a layer package for use in ArcGIS desktop applications, refer to World Continents.

A boundary is a division between two places. Sometimes the division is a physical boundary, such as a river or mountain range, other times a boundary is invisible, such as those between countries, linguistic groups, economies, or social groups (e.g., ethnicity, gender, religion). When these invisible boundaries separate cities, counties, provinces, states, or countries we call them political boundaries. Sometimes physical boundaries align with political boundaries, such as the Ural Mountain range separating the continents of Asia and Europe or the Rio Grande River forming part of the boarder between the United States and Mexico. Overtime, political boundaries change when treaties are created, or wars are fought. For example, the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991 becoming 15 independent countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Not every government agrees with every political boundary, so not all boundaries are clearly defined or peaceful. These contested boundaries are often represented by a dotted line on a map. Some areas in dispute include the East China Sea, Kuril Islands, the Korean peninsula, Western Sahara, Antarctica, Israel/Palestine, Somaliland, Kashmir region, and Taiwan.

This 2020 political boundary data is from Garmin International and the United States Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook and compiled by Esri. One layer includes the boundary lines for countries and another for states and provinces. These layers do not include contested boundaries and any you see are likely on the basemap you have chosen.

The vector data set is based on the FAO-UNESCO Soil Map of the World. The Digitized Soil Map of the World, at 1:5.000.000 scale, is in the Geographic projection (Latitude - Longitude) intersected with a template containing water related features (coastlines, lakes, glaciers and double-lined rivers). The Digital Soil Map of the World (except for the continent of Africa) was intersected with the Country Boundaries map from the World Data Bank II (with country boundaries updated to January 1994 at 1:3 000 000 scale), obtained from the US Government. For Africa, the country boundaries are derived from the FAO Country Boundaries on the original FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World. Country boundaries in both cases were checked and adjusted in certain places on the basis of FAO and UN conventions. The maps (jpg and pdf) are also available on the FAO soil Portal together with their reports for the following regions : North America, Mexico and Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, South Asia, Nortah and Central Asia, Sourtheast Asia and Australasia. [http://www.fao.org/soils-portal/soil-survey/soil-maps-and-databases/faounesco-soil-map-of-the-world/en/]

The interactive map creation tools market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for visually engaging data representation across diverse sectors. The market's value is estimated at $2 billion in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the rising adoption of location-based services, the proliferation of readily available geographic data, and the growing need for effective data visualization in business intelligence and marketing. The individual user segment currently holds a significant share, but corporate adoption is rapidly expanding, propelled by the need for sophisticated map-based analytics and internal communication. Furthermore, the paid use segment is anticipated to grow more quickly than the free use segment, reflecting the willingness of businesses and organizations to invest in advanced features and functionalities. This trend is further amplified by the increasing integration of interactive maps into various platforms, such as business intelligence dashboards and website content. Geographic expansion is also a significant growth driver. North America and Europe currently dominate the market, but the Asia-Pacific region is showing significant promise due to rapid technological advancements and increasing internet penetration. Competitive pressures remain high, with established players such as Google, Mapbox, and ArcGIS StoryMaps vying for market share alongside innovative startups offering specialized solutions. The market's restraints are primarily focused on the complexities of data integration and the technical expertise required for effective map creation. However, ongoing developments in user-friendly interfaces and readily available data integration tools are mitigating these challenges. The future of the interactive map creation tools market promises even greater innovation, fueled by developments in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D visualization technologies. We expect to see the emergence of more sophisticated tools catering to niche requirements, further driving market segmentation and specialization. Continued investment in research and development will also play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what's possible with interactive map creation. The market presents opportunities for companies to develop tools which combine data analytics and interactive map design.

The custom digital map service market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for location-based services across diverse sectors. The market, estimated at $8 billion in 2025, is projected to expand significantly over the forecast period (2025-2033), fueled by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 15%. This expansion is largely attributed to several key drivers. Firstly, the automotive industry's reliance on advanced navigation and driver-assistance systems is a major catalyst. Secondly, the burgeoning location services sector, encompassing ride-sharing, delivery services, and location-based advertising, fuels considerable demand for customized map solutions. Further propelling growth is the rise of business analytics, where customized maps provide invaluable insights into spatial data, optimizing logistics, resource management, and market analysis. Finally, the ongoing development of real-time map data technologies, offering dynamic updates and high accuracy, significantly enhances the value proposition of these services. While data security and privacy concerns pose some challenges, the overall market outlook remains positive. The market segmentation reveals a strong emphasis on custom map solutions, reflecting a growing need for tailored cartographic representations catering to specific business requirements. Real-time map data is another key segment, capitalizing on the demand for dynamic and up-to-date location information. Geographic distribution shows North America and Europe as leading markets, with significant growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in rapidly developing economies like China and India. Key players in the market, including Google, TomTom, Mapbox, and others, are actively investing in research and development, pushing technological boundaries and expanding their service portfolios to maintain a competitive edge. The ongoing evolution of map technologies, including improvements in data accuracy, integration with AI/ML, and expanding functionalities like 3D mapping and augmented reality overlays, will further shape the market landscape in the coming years.

This shapefile provides a worldwide geographic division by merging the World Continents division proposed by Esri Data and Maps (2024) to the Global Oceans and Seas version 1 division proposed by the Flanders Marine Institute (2021). Though divisions of continents and oceans/seas are available, the combination of both in a single shapefile is scarce.

The Continents and Oceans/Seas shapefile was carefully processed to remove overlaps between the inputs, and to fill gaps (i.e., areas with no information) by spatially joining these gaps to neighbour polygons. In total, the original world continents input divides land areas into 8 categories (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America), while the original oceans/seas input divides the oceans/seas into 10 categories (Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Region, North Atlantic Ocean, North Pacific Ocean, South Atlantic Ocean, South China and Easter Archipelagic Seas, South Pacific Ocean, and Southern Ocean). Therefore, the resulting world geographic division has 18 possible categories.

References

Esri Data and Maps (2024). World Continents. Available online at https://hub.arcgis.com/datasets/esri::world-continents/about. Accessed on 05 March 2024.

Flanders Marine Institute (2021). Global Oceans and Seas, version 1. Available online at https://www.marineregions.org/. https://doi.org/10.14284/542. Accessed on 04 March 2024.

World Countries provides a detailed basemap layer for the country boundaries of the world as they existed in January 2024. It has been designed to be used as a basemap and includes fields for local and official names and country codes, along with fields for capital, continent, and display. Particularly useful are the fields LAND_TYPE and LAND_RANK that separate polygons based on their size. These fields are helpful for rendering at different scales by providing the ability to turn off small islands that may clutter small-scale views.The data is sourced from Garmin International, Inc. and was published here in October 2024. This layer is updated every 12-18 months or as significant changes occur.

Mineral resource occurrence data covering the world, most thoroughly within the U.S. This database contains the records previously provided in the Mineral Resource Data System (MRDS) of USGS and the Mineral Availability System/Mineral Industry Locator System (MAS/MILS) originated in the U.S. Bureau of Mines, which is now part of USGS. The MRDS is a large and complex relational database developed over several decades by hundreds of researchers and reporters. While database records describe mineral resources worldwide, the compilation of information was intended to cover the United States completely, and its coverage of resources in other countries is incomplete. The content of MRDS records was drawn from reports previously published or made available to USGS researchers. Some of those original source materials are no longer available. The information contained in MRDS was intended to reflect the reports used as sources and is current only as of the date of those source reports. Consequently MRDS does not reflect up-to-date changes to the operating status of mines, ownership, land status, production figures and estimates of reserves and resources, or the nature, size, and extent of workings. Information on the geological characteristics of the mineral resource are likely to remain correct, but aspects involving human activity are likely to be out of date.

The cloud-based mapping service market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of location-based services across various sectors. The convergence of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and big data analytics is fueling demand for sophisticated mapping solutions capable of handling vast datasets and delivering real-time insights. Key application areas, such as connected ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and highly automated driving, are significant contributors to market expansion, demanding high-precision, dynamic mapping capabilities. The shift towards cloud-based infrastructure offers scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility advantages over traditional on-premise solutions, further accelerating market penetration. Different map types, including analytical, animated, collaborative, and online atlases, cater to diverse needs, creating a multifaceted market landscape. While data security and privacy concerns represent potential restraints, the market is poised for sustained growth due to continuous technological advancements and expanding application domains. We estimate the 2025 market size to be approximately $15 billion, projecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is underpinned by continuous innovation in mapping technologies and the expanding adoption of location intelligence across various industries. The major players in this market, including ESRI, Pitney Bowes, and CARTO, are investing heavily in R&D to enhance their offerings and gain a competitive edge. Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market share, primarily due to higher technological adoption rates and established infrastructure. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness rapid growth in the coming years, driven by increasing urbanization and expanding digital economies. The competitive landscape is characterized by both established players and emerging innovative companies striving for market dominance. This competitive dynamic is driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with cloud-based mapping services, further contributing to the market's overall growth trajectory.

In the middle of 2023, about 60 percent of the global population was living in Asia.The total world population amounted to 8.1 billion people on the planet. In other words 4.7 billion people were living in Asia as of 2023. Global populationDue to medical advances, better living conditions and the increase of agricultural productivity, the world population increased rapidly over the past century, and is expected to continue to grow. After reaching eight billion in 2023, the global population is estimated to pass 10 billion by 2060. Africa expected to drive population increase Most of the future population increase is expected to happen in Africa. The countries with the highest population growth rate in 2024 were mostly African countries. While around 1.47 billion people live on the continent as of 2024, this is forecast to grow to 3.9 billion by 2100. This is underlined by the fact that most of the countries wit the highest population growth rate are found in Africa. The growing population, in combination with climate change, puts increasing pressure on the world's resources.

Language Offline Map App Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Language Offline Map App market size reached USD 3.2 billion in 2024, reflecting robust growth driven by the increasing demand for reliable navigation solutions that function without internet connectivity. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period, reaching USD 9.1 billion by 2033. This significant growth is fueled by heightened global travel, digital transformation across sectors, and rising smartphone penetration, which collectively drive the adoption of language-enabled offline map applications.

The growth trajectory of the Language Offline Map App market is strongly influenced by the increasing reliance on smartphones and mobile devices for navigation, particularly in regions where internet connectivity is unreliable or costly. Offline map apps, equipped with multilingual capabilities, have become essential tools for travelers, expatriates, and professionals operating in foreign environments. Language support not only improves accessibility but also enhances user experience by providing localized content and instructions, which is crucial for navigation in unfamiliar territories. The integration of advanced features such as voice-guided navigation, real-time updates, and augmented reality overlays further propels market growth by making these apps indispensable for everyday commuting and travel.

Another key driver is the expanding use of offline map applications in sectors beyond travel, such as education, business, and government. Educational institutions leverage these apps for language learning and cultural exchange programs, while businesses utilize them for logistics, field operations, and workforce mobility. Governments, especially in developing countries, are increasingly adopting offline map solutions to improve public services, disaster management, and urban planning. The versatility of these apps, combined with their ability to function independently of network connectivity, positions them as vital tools for a wide range of end-users, thereby broadening the market’s addressable base and accelerating adoption rates globally.

Technological advancements and the proliferation of app distribution channels also play a pivotal role in the market’s expansion. The emergence of app stores, direct downloads, and third-party platforms has made it easier for users to access and update offline map applications. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for language processing, route optimization, and personalized recommendations has significantly enhanced app functionality. These innovations not only attract tech-savvy consumers but also create opportunities for developers to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As a result, the Language Offline Map App market is poised for sustained growth, driven by continuous innovation and expanding application areas.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific leads the market in terms of adoption and revenue generation, followed closely by North America and Europe. The rapid urbanization, increasing cross-border travel, and rising smartphone usage in Asia Pacific create a fertile environment for offline map apps with language support. Meanwhile, North America and Europe benefit from advanced digital infrastructure and a high concentration of tech-savvy consumers. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, albeit from a smaller base, as governments and enterprises in these regions increasingly recognize the value of offline navigation solutions. Overall, the global outlook for the Language Offline Map App market remains highly positive, with strong growth anticipated across all major regions.

Platform Analysis

The Platform segment of the Language Offline Map App market is categorized into Android, iOS, Windows, and Others. Android dominates the market, accounting for the largest share due to its widespread adoption and the affordability of Android devices, particularly in emerging economies. The open-source nature of Android allows developers to create and distribute offline map apps with ease, leading to a diverse ecosystem of applications catering to various language preferences and user needs. The availability of these apps on the Google Play Store ensures broad accessibility, further fueling market penetration, especially in Asia P

Over 1.2 million refugees from Ukraine due to the Russian invasion fled to Germany as of April 2025. Furthermore, the second-highest number was recorded in Poland. In total, around 5.1 million Ukrainian refugees were registered across Europe and 5.6 million worldwide as of May 2025. Most of them fled the country by crossing the border with Poland. Ukrainian refugees in Germany The first increases in the number of Ukrainian refugees in Germany were registered in March and April 2022. The figure exceeded one million refugees in September of that year. Germany had the highest monthly financial allowance for Ukrainians who fled the war compared to other European countries as of June 2022. Temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in the EU European Union (EU) members implemented the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which guaranteed access to accommodation, welfare, and healthcare to refugees from Ukraine. People fleeing the war had a right to a residence permit in the EU, enter the labor market, and enroll children in educational institutions. The protection is granted until March 4, 2026, but it can be extended in the future depending on the situation in the country.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global HD Map for Autonomous Vehicle Market size will be USD 1624.8 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.50% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 37% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 601.18 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.3% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 29% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 471.19 million.
APAC held a market share of around 24% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 389.95 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.5% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of more than 3.8% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 61.74 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.5% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East had a market share of around 4.00% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 64.99 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.8% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of around 2.20% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 35.75 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.2% from 2025 to 2033.
Commercial Vehicles is the fastest growing segment of the HD Map for Autonomous Vehicle Market industry

Market Dynamics of HD Map for Autonomous Vehicle Market

Key Drivers for HD Map for Autonomous Vehicle Market

Rising adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles fuel the market demand

The global shift toward autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles is significantly propelling the demand for HD maps. With increasing consumer inclination toward advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and partial automation features such as lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and self-parking, automakers are integrating high-definition maps into vehicle systems for enhanced precision. HD maps support sensor fusion and real-time decision-making by providing centimeter-level accuracy, which is essential for safe navigation. As Level 2 and Level 3 vehicles become more mainstream, particularly in North America, Europe, and East Asia, the dependency on detailed geospatial data is expanding rapidly. According to the 2025 report by the World Economic Forum in partnership with Boston Consulting Group, about 4% of newly sold personal vehicles in 2035 are projected to be equipped with Level 4 autonomous capabilities. This growth trajectory is further supported by regulatory encouragement and pilot testing of autonomous technologies, creating a solid foundation for market expansion.

https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Autonomous_Vehicles_2025.pdf

Increasing demand for real-time navigation and safety features boosts the industry

The rising demand for real-time navigation and vehicle safety systems is a core driver of the HD map market. Traditional maps fall short in offering the dynamic data required for autonomous driving, such as lane-level information, road gradients, and obstacle detection. HD maps bridge this gap by providing enriched geospatial content that complements vehicle sensors, enabling safer and more reliable driving decisions. Consumers are increasingly valuing safety-centric features, and automakers are responding with integrated solutions that rely on continuously updated and context-aware HD maps. These maps enhance situational awareness in complex traffic scenarios, support predictive navigation, and reduce the risk of collisions. As real-time responsiveness becomes a critical factor in vehicular operations, the demand for HD mapping solutions continues to surge.

Restraint Factor for the HD Map for Autonomous Vehicle Market

High cost of map creation and frequent updates limit market growth

One of the primary constraints hindering the widespread adoption of HD maps is the high cost associated with their creation and maintenance. Generating centimeter-level accurate maps requires advanced hardware such as LiDAR, high-resolution cameras, and precise GPS systems, all of which involve substantial capital expenditure. Moreover, these maps must be frequently updated to reflect real-time changes in road conditions, traffic patterns, construction zones, and signage. The continual need for accurate, up-to-date data further increases ...

The global on and off-road navigation market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the proliferation of connected vehicles. The market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated market value of $45 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors, including the rising adoption of smartphones with integrated navigation capabilities, the increasing integration of navigation systems into vehicles (both OEM and aftermarket), and the growing popularity of outdoor recreational activities like off-roading and adventure tourism, requiring specialized navigation solutions. Furthermore, the development of high-precision mapping technologies, improved user interfaces, and the integration of real-time traffic and weather data are enhancing the functionality and appeal of navigation systems. The increasing penetration of navigation systems in developing economies also contributes significantly to market growth. However, certain restraints limit the market's potential. High initial costs of advanced navigation systems, especially those with sophisticated features like augmented reality overlays or off-road specific functionalities, can deter some consumers. Furthermore, the dependence on accurate and up-to-date map data, which needs constant updates and maintenance, presents challenges for providers. Competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants also influence market dynamics. Segmentation within the market reveals a strong preference for Android-based platforms owing to their flexibility and open-source nature, while the OEM segment maintains its dominance over the aftermarket due to factory-installed integrations. The geographical distribution reveals robust growth in Asia Pacific driven by increasing vehicle sales and smartphone penetration, followed by North America and Europe.