Any mapping project requires data. Sometimes finding that data is the most difficult step. Even basic layers, such as country boundaries, rivers, or transportation infrastructure, often need to be collected from multiple sources. The Atlas section in GISCARTA solves this problem by providing ready-made open geodatasets directly within the platform.

What is Atlas in GISCARTA

Atlas is a built-in geodata catalog accessible directly within the GISCARTA platform. It brings together datasets on various topics and allows you to immediately use them in projects without downloading or preparing them.

Unlike traditional open portals, the data here is already adapted for GIS: it can be immediately added to the map, styled, and used in analysis.

What data is available?

The Atlas section includes several thematic categories, each of which covers basic spatial analysis tasks. Natural Features

Atlas presents the following basic natural layers:

Rivers: hydrographic network

An example of the hydrographic network of the European continent

Deserts: large natural zones

Example of data from the Libyan Desert

These data are used for:

• ecological analysis

• hydrological models

• educational and research purposes

Administrative Boundaries

Key administrative levels are available:

• countries of the world

• US states

• municipalities of Brazil

An example of the administrative-territorial division of Germany

These data are necessary for:

• geomarketing

• demographic analysis

• statistical calculations

Transport Infrastructure

Transport data is a separate category:

Airports

Example of UK airport data

Metro

Example data from the Barcelona Metro

These are used for:

• accessibility analysis

• transport modeling

• logistics problems

How Atlas is used in practice

The main advantage of Atlas is the ability to start working with data immediately. A typical scenario looks like this:

• select the desired layer (for example, countries or rivers)

• add it to the map

• combine it with your own data

• use it in analysis or dashboards

This is especially convenient for:

• quick prototyping

• presentations

• training

• analytics without data preparation

Advantages of the Atlas section

Time savings. No need to search for data on external portals and format it.

Ready to use. The data is already structured and suitable for use in GIS.

Versatility. Basic categories are covered: nature, boundaries, infrastructure.

Integration with the platform. All data is immediately available for analysis, visualization, and dashboard creation.

FAQ

Can the data be used in commercial projects?

It depends on the specific dataset, but in most cases it is based on open sources.

Does Atlas replace full-fledged open data portals?

No, but it covers basic needs and speeds up work.

 Is this data suitable for complex analysis?

It's suitable as a starting point, but more complex tasks will require additional data loading.

Key Takeaways

Atlas simplifies access to basic geodata directly within the GIS.

It allows you to quickly launch projects without data preparation.

It works best as a starting point for analysis and visualization.