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Mapbox Data Sources

Mapbox's mapping platform is powered by a diverse collection of high-quality data sources from around the world. Understanding these data sources helps you make informed decisions about which Mapbox services best fit your application's needs and gives you insight into the accuracy and coverage you can expect.

This guide provides an overview of the primary data sources that power Mapbox's core services, from map tiles to geocoding and navigation.

Core Map Data​

Mapbox Streets​

The foundation of Mapbox's map data comes from OpenStreetMap (OSM), a collaborative global mapping project where millions of volunteers contribute geographic information. OSM provides:

  • Road networks: Streets, highways, paths, and transportation infrastructure
  • Points of interest: Businesses, landmarks, and amenities
  • Building footprints: Structures and architectural features
  • Land use: Parks, forests, residential areas, and commercial zones
  • Natural features: Rivers, lakes, mountains, and coastlines

Mapbox processes and enhances this OpenStreetMap data through:

  • Quality assurance and validation processes
  • Conflation with additional commercial and government datasets
  • Regular updates as the OpenStreetMap community makes improvements
  • Custom styling and categorization for optimal map rendering

Mapbox Satellite​

Mapbox Satellite imagery comes from multiple sources to provide global coverage:

  • Commercial satellite providers: High-resolution imagery from companies like Maxar, Planet, and others
  • Government sources: Open data from NASA, USGS, and international space agencies
  • Processing and enhancement: Raw imagery is color-corrected, processed for consistency, and blended into seamless global coverage

The satellite data is regularly updated, with urban areas typically receiving more frequent updates than rural regions.

Mapbox Terrain​

Terrain and elevation data combines multiple sources for comprehensive global coverage:

  • Government datasets: USGS, NASA SRTM, and other national mapping agencies
  • Commercial providers: High-resolution elevation models from private companies
  • Processing: Data is processed for consistency and accuracy across different sources and regions

Note that different data sources may use different vertical datum references, which Mapbox processes to keep consistency.

Administrative and Boundary Data​

Mapbox Countries​

Country-level administrative data is sourced from:

  • Officially recognized local and international entities
  • Government agencies and national mapping organizations
  • International bodies like the United Nations
  • Regular updates to reflect geopolitical changes

Mapbox Boundaries​

Administrative boundary data at various levels (states, provinces, counties, etc.) comes from:

  • Official government sources whenever possible
  • Local administrative entities
  • International organizations
  • Regular validation and updates for accuracy

This data powers features like administrative geocoding and location-based services that need to understand jurisdictional boundaries.

Search and Geocoding Data​

Mapbox Geocoding API​

The geocoding service draws from a diverse set of sources to provide comprehensive address and place coverage:

  • Government sources: Official address databases and postal services
  • Open data projects: Community-contributed place names and addresses
  • Commercial providers: Licensed datasets from mapping and directory companies
  • Points of interest: Business directories and location databases

This multi-source approach ensures broad coverage while maintaining accuracy across different regions and address formats.

Specialized Data Services​

Mapbox's navigation services use:

  • Real-time traffic: Anonymous, aggregated data from mobile devices and fleet partners
  • Historical patterns: Analysis of traffic flows over time
  • Incident data: Real-time reports of accidents, construction, and road closures
  • Road attributes: Speed limits, turn restrictions, and routing preferences

Elevation Services​

Mapbox Elevation APIs provide:

  • Global coverage: Multiple data sources for worldwide elevation queries
  • Variable resolution: Different precision levels depending on location and data availability
  • Consistent processing: Standardized vertical datum and quality controls

Data Quality and Updates​

Mapbox maintains data quality through:

  • Continuous monitoring: Automated systems detect and flag potential data issues
  • Community feedback: User reports help identify and correct problems
  • Regular updates: Systematic refreshes of data sources and processing improvements
  • Quality assurance: Manual and automated validation processes

Update Frequency​

Different data types are updated on different schedules:

  • Map data: Regular updates as OpenStreetMap and other sources are refreshed
  • Satellite imagery: Varies by region, with more frequent updates in high-demand areas
  • Traffic data: Real-time updates for current conditions
  • Administrative boundaries: Updates as geopolitical changes occur

Using Data Source Information​

Understanding Mapbox's data sources helps you:

  • Choose appropriate services: Select the right APIs and tilesets for your use case
  • Set user expectations: Communicate data coverage and accuracy to your users
  • Plan for regional differences: Account for varying data quality and coverage globally
  • Integrate complementary data: Understand where additional data sources might be beneficial

For the most current information about Mapbox's data sources and coverage, visit mapbox.com/about/maps/#data-sources.

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