Nations are divided into regions and sub-regions in many different ways across the globe. Depending on the country, this organization can even vary internally.
World Boundaries Premium captures and depicts the political and/or administrative hierarchies of all countries in the world in as a consistent a manner as possible. The goal is to deliver a relevant place name and boundary for all locations.
In addition to administrative and political boundaries, World Boundaries Premium also contains boundaries representing the shorelines of seas and oceans.
Administrative units are referred to as levels in Word Boundaries Premium. There are nine such levels in World Boundaries Premium 3.0. Each is described in more detail below.
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 1 contains all country boundaries. This is the highest level of administrative boundary in World Boundaries Premium and is always populated.
Administrative Level 2
Administrative Level 2 contains the boundaries of political subdivisions of countries, at the state or equivalent level. When no entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated.
Administrative Level 3
Administrative Level 3 contains the boundaries of political subdivisions of Administrative Level 2, such as counties or districts. When no entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated.
Administrative Level 4
Administrative Level 4 corresponds to municipalities, towns, communes, or townships. When no entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated.
Administrative Level 5
Administrative Level 5 features are only used in select countries where there are extensive numbers of administrative boundaries. Typically, administrative features for municipalities and villages will exist at this level. For example, in Belgium this level will contain communes and in France it will contain cantons.
Administrative Level 6
Administrative Level 6 boundaries are used only select countries where there are extensive numbers of administrative boundaries. Typically, administrative features for municipalities and villages will exist at this level. For example, in Belgium this level will contain localities and in France it will contain communes. When no such entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated.
Level 7
Level 7 corresponds to metro areas, representing over 1,000 major metropolitan areas around the world, including top real estate markets. These areas incorporate satellite cities, towns, and rural areas that are socioeconomically linked to an urban core. Metro areas have a population greater than 50,000, and an overall population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile. When no such entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated.
Level 8
Level 8 boundaries correspond to built-up areas and localities. Built-up areas and localities are polygonal representations of population centers such as smaller towns and municipalities that do not have official administrative boundaries. When no such entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated
Level 9
Level 9 entities are neighborhoods. Neighborhood boundaries identify and name neighborhoods as they are experienced by local residents. When no such entities exist in a country at this level, it is not populated.