Large Scale International Boundaries (LSIB)

The Office of the Geographer and Global Issues at the U.S. Department of State produces the Large Scale International Boundaries (LSIB) dataset, currently at version 10.2 (published 28 May 2021).

Sources for these data include treaties, relevant maps, and data from boundary commissions and national mapping agencies. Where available, the dataset incorporates information from courts, tribunals, and international arbitrations. The research and recovery of the data involves analysis of satellite imagery and elevation data. Due to the limitations of source materials and processing techniques, most lines are within 100 meters of their true position on the ground.

Attributes -- The dataset uses the following attributes: Country Code: Country-level codes are from the Geopolitical Entities, Names, and Codes Standard (GENC). The Q2 code denotes a line representing a boundary associated with an area not in GENC. Country Names: Names approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Names for lines associated with a Q2 code are descriptive and are not necessarily BGN-approved. Label: Required text label for the line segment where scale permits. Rank/Status: Rank 1: International Boundary, Rank 2: Other Line of International Separation, Rank 3: Special Line Notes: Explanation of any applicable special circumstances.

Cartographic Usage -- Depiction of the LSIB requires a visual differentiation between the three categories of boundaries: International Boundaries (Rank 1), Other Lines of International Separation (Rank 2), and Special Lines (Rank 3). Rank 1 lines must be the most visually prominent. Rank 2 lines must be less visually prominent than Rank 1 lines. Rank 3 lines must be shown in a manner visually subordinate to Ranks 1 and 2. Where scale permits, Rank 2 and 3 lines must be labeled in accordance with the “Label” field. Data marked with a Rank 2 or 3 designation does not necessarily correspond to a disputed boundary.

Additional cartographic information can be found in Guidance Bulletins published by the Office of the Geographer and Global Issues (https://hiu.state.gov/data/cartographic_guidance_bulletins/).

Questions -- Direct inquiries to internationalboundaries@state.gov.

Additional formats and web services can be found on the State Department Data Catalog: https://geonode.state.gov