Large Scale International Boundaries
Version 10,
Release Date: March 10, 2020.
The Office of the Geographer and Global Issues at the U.S. Department of State produces the Large Scale International Boundaries (LSIB) dataset. These lines and those generalized from this dataset are the only international boundary lines approved for use on U.S. Government maps, databases, and other geographic products such as annotated imagery. They reflect U.S. Government policy, and not necessarily de facto control. The lines are believed to be accurate to within 100 meters. Sources for these lines include treaties, relevant maps, and data from boundary commissions as well as national mapping agencies. The research and recovery of the lines involves analysis of satellite imagery and elevation data. Where available, the dataset incorporates information from courts, tribunals, and international arbitrations.
Attributes
The dataset uses the following attributes:
Attribute Name Explanation
Country Code Country-level codes are from the Geopolitical Entities, Names, and Codes Standard (GENC). The UU code denotes a line representing the boundary of an area of unusual sovereignty.
Country Names Names approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
Label Text label required for the line segment where scale permits
Rank/Status Rank 1: International Boundary
Rank 2: Other Line of International Separation
Rank 3: Special Line
Rank 4: Special, scale dependent line
Usage: Ranks 2 and 3 must be shown in a manner visually subordinate to Rank 1 lines. Rank 4 replaces Rank 1 lines at scales indicated in the Notes field. When replaced, show Rank 4 in the same manner as the corresponding Rank 1.
Notes Explanation of any special circumstances
Contact Information
Direct inquiries to internationalboundaries@state.gov.
Credits
See the Description and Credits fields in the metadata for information as to sources. The lines in this LSIB dataset are the product of decades of collaboration between geographers at the Department of State and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency with contributions from the Central Intelligence Agency and the UK Defence Geographic Centre. Attribution is welcome: U.S. Dept. of State, Office of the Geographer.
Copyright Notice and Disclaimer
While U.S. Government works prepared by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not subject to Federal copyright protection (see 17 U.S.C. § 105), copyrighted material incorporated in U.S. Government works retains its copyright protection. The works on or made available through download from the U.S. Department of State’s website may not be used in any manner that infringes any intellectual property rights or other proprietary rights held by any third party. Use of any copyrighted material beyond what is allowed by fair use or other exemptions may require appropriate permission from the relevant rightsholder.
With respect to works on or made available through download from the U.S. Department of State’s website, neither the U.S. Government nor any of its agencies, employees, agents, or contractors make any representations or warranties—express, implied, or statutory—as to the validity, accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose; nor represent that use of such works would not infringe privately owned rights; nor assume any liability resulting from use of such works; and shall in no way be liable for any costs, expenses, claims, or demands arising out of use of such works.