We live in the information age. We are bombarded with tons of information every day. When it comes to free GIS data sources , there seems to be no end.
So, that's why we've put together this list, to speed up your search for reputable and free GIS data.
In other words: these 10 free GIS datasets are the best.
We can make sure everything comes from authoritative sources . let's start.
1. Esri Open Data Center
In 2020, the Esri Open Data Hub is a hidden goldmine of free GIS data. For example, it now contains more than 250,000 open datasets from more than 5,000 organizations around the world . Therefore, we put it at the top of the list of free GIS data.
In some cases, you have to sift through piles of data because they cannot be conveniently combined into one. Despite the extra effort, this is still arguably your best chance of finding exactly what you're looking for.
In any case, the map preview by range and table facilitates the search. Alternatively, you can search and download data in a variety of GIS formats by topic or location. After all, there is no more comprehensive source of GIS data than the Esri Open Data Center.
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| As of 2020, it has more than 250,000 open datasets from more than 5,000 organizations worldwide managed by the world's largest commercial GIS organization. | Download formats are spreadsheet, KML, shapefile. APIs are OGC WMS, GeoJSON and GeoService. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| As of 2020, it has more than 250,000 open datasets from more than 5,000 organizations worldwide managed by the world's largest commercial GIS organization. | Download formats are spreadsheet, KML, shapefile. APIs are OGC WMS, GeoJSON and GeoService. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| As of 2020, it has more than 250,000 open datasets from more than 5,000 organizations worldwide managed by the world's largest commercial GIS organization. | Download formats are spreadsheet, KML, shapefile. APIs are OGC WMS, GeoJSON and GeoService. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| As of 2020, it has more than 250,000 open datasets from more than 5,000 organizations worldwide managed by the world's largest commercial GIS organization. | Download formats are spreadsheet, KML, shapefile. APIs are OGC WMS, GeoJSON and GeoService. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| As of 2020, it has more than 250,000 open datasets from more than 5,000 organizations worldwide managed by the world's largest commercial GIS organization. | Download formats are spreadsheet, KML, shapefile. APIs are OGC WMS, GeoJSON and GeoService. |
2. Natural Earth Data
Natural Earth data is second on the list because it best suits the needs of cartographers. Collectively, all key cultural and physical vector GIS datasets are globally available for your convenience. The raster dataset also provides a beautiful hillshade relief for your map.
The best part is that Natural Earth data is in the public domain . Therefore, this means that you have the right to use, modify and distribute the data in any way.
Below are more details on the Natural Earth data . From a cartographic standpoint, it's simple. Download Natural Earth Data now.
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Download global free GIS data in the public domain powered by the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS). | Cultural, physical, and raster (basemap) data. Quickstart kit (MXD and QGS files), contains all basic stylization layers. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Download global free GIS data in the public domain powered by the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS). | Cultural, physical, and raster (basemap) data. Quickstart kit (MXD and QGS files), contains all basic stylization layers. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Download global free GIS data in the public domain powered by the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS). | Cultural, physical, and raster (basemap) data. Quickstart kit (MXD and QGS files), contains all basic stylization layers. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Download global free GIS data in the public domain powered by the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS). | Cultural, physical, and raster (basemap) data. Quickstart kit (MXD and QGS files), contains all basic stylization layers. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Download global free GIS data in the public domain powered by the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS). | Cultural, physical, and raster (basemap) data. Quickstart kit (MXD and QGS files), contains all basic stylization layers. |
3. USGS Earth Explorer
For satellite and aerial imagery, USGS Earth Explorer is one of the largest free data sources. the best part? You can also download data outside of the United States .
A user-friendly interface makes accessing remote sensing data easy. In fact, it even has a batch download app if you need to download multiple datasets.
Registration is free. If you're looking for other satellite data providers, check out our list of 15 free satellite imagery sources .
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite imagery is global, not just within the U.S. User interface is state-of-the-art with easy-to-use filters | Landsat, Sentinel-2 and land cover digital elevation models such as NASA's ASTER and SRTM |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite imagery is global, not just within the U.S. User interface is state-of-the-art with easy-to-use filters | Landsat, Sentinel-2 and land cover digital elevation models such as NASA's ASTER and SRTM |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite imagery is global, not just within the U.S. User interface is state-of-the-art with easy-to-use filters | Landsat, Sentinel-2 and land cover digital elevation models such as NASA's ASTER and SRTM |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite imagery is global, not just within the U.S. User interface is state-of-the-art with easy-to-use filters | Landsat, Sentinel-2 and land cover digital elevation models such as NASA's ASTER and SRTM |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite imagery is global, not just within the U.S. User interface is state-of-the-art with easy-to-use filters | Landsat, Sentinel-2 and land cover digital elevation models such as NASA's ASTER and SRTM |
4. Open Street Map
GIS users are leveraging the power of OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a means of crowdsourcing data. The result of crowdsourcing is highly detailed data. But what I said in detail was cautiously optimistic.
While OSM is open to the public, it is also created by the public. So that means the accuracy varies from creator to creator. Accuracy is very good in my experience. People like you and me work on integrity every day.
对于在街道级别寻求免费 GIS 数据的 GIS 分析师来说，OSM 正是您正在寻找的。例如，它可能是世界上最大的建筑物清单。
每秒有多少数据被创建到 OpenStreetMap 中？有一张地图 - OSM Show Me The Way。
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 具有不同准确性和完整性级别的高度详细的免费 GIS 数据 | 高空间分辨率的文化矢量数据，如建筑物、道路、水路。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 具有不同准确性和完整性级别的高度详细的免费 GIS 数据 | 高空间分辨率的文化矢量数据，如建筑物、道路、水路。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 具有不同准确性和完整性级别的高度详细的免费 GIS 数据 | 高空间分辨率的文化矢量数据，如建筑物、道路、水路。 |
5 . NASA 的社会经济数据和应用中心 (SEDAC)
NASA 的社会经济数据和应用中心 (SEDAC)展示了人类与环境的互动。SEDAC 拥有各种粗略的全球免费 GIS 数据。
例如，他们的旗舰数据产品是一个网格化的世界人口。它拥有 800 多篇引文，包括年龄、教育和密度等人口特征。全球城市和当地人口范围来自夜间灯光
我喜欢 SEDAC 地图查看器，因为您可以选择社会经济数据的 GIS 专题地图。如果你想自己组装数据，也有这个选项。
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 旗舰数据是其网格化的世界人口。全球社会经济数据来自 15 个不同的主题。 | 社会经济数据包括一系列主题，例如农业、气候和健康。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 旗舰数据是其网格化的世界人口。全球社会经济数据来自 15 个不同的主题。 | 社会经济数据包括一系列主题，例如农业、气候和健康。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 旗舰数据是其网格化的世界人口。全球社会经济数据来自 15 个不同的主题。 | 社会经济数据包括一系列主题，例如农业、气候和健康。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 旗舰数据是其网格化的世界人口。全球社会经济数据来自 15 个不同的主题。 | 社会经济数据包括一系列主题，例如农业、气候和健康。 |
6 . 开放地形
开放地形提供了一个高空间分辨率地形数据和工具的门户。尤其是，它包含了LiDAR 数据，这是当今稀有的宝贵资源。
目前，Open Topography 已收集到300 个高分辨率数据集。大多数是点云。但有些仅以光栅格式提供。他们的数据地图显示，可用的数据最多的是美国。但欧洲、亚洲和澳大利亚也提供数据。
如果您找不到您感兴趣的领域的 LiDAR 数据，那么下一个最好的方法是全球 DEM。这些免费的 GIS 数据集也可在 Open Topography 上获得。
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 选择世界上的地区并搜索可用的 LiDAR 数据。 | LiDAR（90% 在美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、巴西、海地、墨西哥和波多黎各）如果 LiDAR 不可用，则可以下载粗略的全球 DEM。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 选择世界上的地区并搜索可用的 LiDAR 数据。 | LiDAR（90% 在美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、巴西、海地、墨西哥和波多黎各）如果 LiDAR 不可用，则可以下载粗略的全球 DEM。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 选择世界上的地区并搜索可用的 LiDAR 数据。 | LiDAR（90% 在美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、巴西、海地、墨西哥和波多黎各）如果 LiDAR 不可用，则可以下载粗略的全球 DEM。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 选择世界上的地区并搜索可用的 LiDAR 数据。 | LiDAR（90% 在美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、巴西、海地、墨西哥和波多黎各）如果 LiDAR 不可用，则可以下载粗略的全球 DEM。 |
7 . 环境署环境数据浏览器
联合国环境规划署（UNEP）是联合国数据的权威来源。例如，它包含淡水、气候和健康等500 多个变量。
我必须承认。我发现探索 GIS 数据有点困难，因为界面需要一段时间才能适应。如果单击高级，则可以过滤“地理空间数据集”。从这里，您可以下载免费的 GIS 数据，例如气候、灾害和生态系统。
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 各种主题的空间和非空间数据。即时显示地图、图表和表格。 | 空间和非空间数据的主题包括人口、森林、排放、灾害和 GDP。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 各种主题的空间和非空间数据。即时显示地图、图表和表格。 | 空间和非空间数据的主题包括人口、森林、排放、灾害和 GDP。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 各种主题的空间和非空间数据。即时显示地图、图表和表格。 | 空间和非空间数据的主题包括人口、森林、排放、灾害和 GDP。 |
| 好处 | 数据类型 |
|---|---|
| 各种主题的空间和非空间数据。即时显示地图、图表和表格。 | 空间和非空间数据的主题包括人口、森林、排放、灾害和 GDP。 |
8 . 美国宇航局地球观测 (NEO)
想象一下每天看到地球气候和环境条件的快照。 NASA 的地球观测 (NEO)就像是世界的实时气候快照。
NEO 专注于 5 个主题和50 多个全球数据集，主要与气候相关。例如，数据范围从气溶胶、叶绿素到海面温度。所有这些都是免费的 GIS 数据集，您可以下载 JPEG、GeoTIFF 和 Google Earth 格式。
When it comes to understanding our climate, NEO cannot survive without NASA. If you can't find what you're looking for, we have a comprehensive list of 7 free world climate data sources
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Constantly updated to ensure timely access to global climate information. Multiple GIS formats are accessible. | All raster grids are atmospheric, energy, land, life, and ocean GIS data. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Constantly updated to ensure timely access to global climate information. Multiple GIS formats are accessible. | All raster grids are atmospheric, energy, land, life, and ocean GIS data. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Constantly updated to ensure timely access to global climate information. Multiple GIS formats are accessible. | All raster grids are atmospheric, energy, land, life, and ocean GIS data. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Constantly updated to ensure timely access to global climate information. Multiple GIS formats are accessible. | All raster grids are atmospheric, energy, land, life, and ocean GIS data. |
9. Sentinel satellite data
Sentinel-2 is the highest resolution satellite imagery freely available to the public. Its interface is Copernicus Open Access Hub .
First, you must register to create an account. But it's well worth the time. Next, select your area of interest by right-clicking on the map. Finally, select the S2A or S2B product you want to download.
The Copernicus Open Access Hub also houses Sentinel-1, which is a synthetic aperture radar . So, be careful about what you choose to download.
Read more : How to download Sentinel satellite data for free
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite data at 10-meter resolution is at your fingertips. Sentinel 2 data has 11 spectral bands including red, green, blue, and near-infrared | Raster data - 11 channels from Sentinel-2. Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite data at 10-meter resolution is at your fingertips. Sentinel 2 data has 11 spectral bands including red, green, blue, and near-infrared | Raster data - 11 channels from Sentinel-2. Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite data at 10-meter resolution is at your fingertips. Sentinel 2 data has 11 spectral bands including red, green, blue, and near-infrared | Raster data - 11 channels from Sentinel-2. Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar. |
| benefit | type of data |
|---|---|
| Satellite data at 10-meter resolution is at your fingertips. Sentinel 2 data has 11 spectral bands including red, green, blue, and near-infrared | Raster data - 11 channels from Sentinel-2. Sentinel-1's synthetic aperture radar. |
10. Poplar
Terra Populus (TerraPop for short) integrates census data from more than 160 countries around the world. In fact, it spans 60 years of household-level and aggregated data for more than 80 countries.
It's unique in that you can explore changes in time and space . It's not just for research. But everyone can access geospatial changes in human-environment systems.