OpenStreetMap Vector Data

Vector Data Exports for GIS Applications

If you need shape files for GIS applications or processes in formats like shape files, GeoPackage or File Geodatabases, look no further.

OpenStreetMap uses an inconsistent tagging system. Geofabrik translates this into multiple thematic layers. Their individual features are classified by a hierarchical structured, versioned schema. OpenStreetMap geometries are converted into the established Simple Feature Model.

Our Standard: OpenStreetMap Data in Layered GIS Format

By default, we export the layers and feature classes which are useful for average applications of cartography and geospatial analyses&nbps;– we call this OpenStreetMap Data in Layered GIS Format. This specification is updated regularly and adapted to changes within the OpenStreetMap project.

Here are two example shapefiles for you to download (the files contain all layers, not only those depicted):

File Formats

OpenStreetMap vector data for GIS applications are available in the following formats:

• GeoPackage
• Shape file
• GeoJSON
• File Geodatabase

We are happy to offer exports in other formats as well.

Quotes and Ordering

Geofabrik vector data exports are not mass-produced by some self-service machine. We create them from current data according to your request, we do an error check, and of course we're there for you if you have questions or problems after delivery. You decide what you need:

• requested spatial extract (individual countries, continents or the whole world)
• file format
• thematic scope (e.g. selected layers or feature classes only, additional layers/feature classes)
• special requirements (e.g. additional languzages for labelling)
• frequency of ordering (one-time vs. regular updates)

Geofabrik will charge a previously agreed fixed price for these services based on the amount of work involved. Please request a quotation if you are interested! As a guidance, a one-off delivery of a vector data export will approximately cost:

Area	Data Volume Shape File (est.)	Data Volume GeoPackage (est.)	Shapefile	GeoPackage
city, country, small state	1 GB		EUR 200
European country or group of countries	5 GB		EUR 350 – EUR 500
whole continent	30 GB		EUR 500 – EUR 1,000
whole world	75 GB		EUR 1,800

These rates are handling charges and not license fees – OpenStreetMap data is licensed under ODbL 1.0 which means that you can use it unrestricted, without having to pay a license fee.

Paid vs. Free Vector Data Exports

A number of shape files containing the most important feature classes are available for free on our download server. While our free shape files are generated daily by an automatic process, paid exports are generated on your request adapted to your requirements. They use daily updated OpenStreetMap data. The key advantages of paid vector data exports compared to our free shape files are:

• You get exactly that area you ask for: one or multiple countries, continents, the whole world or custom boundary polygons.
• Exports are available in formats other than shape files (i.e. longer field names, no 2 GB file size limit).
• You receive the data in the file format you ask for.
• Points of Interest mapped as polygons in OpenStreetMap are available as points as well.
• The default feature class selection contains more featuer classes (e.g. boundaries as polygons, barriers, power lines, additional landuse classes).
• Paid exports contain additional attributes if mapped in OpenStreetMap (e.g. height of buildings, speed limits or road surfaces).

Special Purpose Exports

In addition to the standard exports we have various special purpose exports, e.g. for routing or administrative boundaries. Here's an overview.