Guides and databases: Geography: Data sources

Key resources for geospatial data and maps

Digimap - Aerial Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Online access to detailed aerial imagery from Getmapping. Login and choose "Aerial".
Digimap - Environment Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Online access to the Land Cover Maps from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). Login and choose "Environment".
Digimap - Geology Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Online access to geological maps and data from the British Geological Survey. Login and choose "Geology".
Digimap - Verisk Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Map data from VeriskUK. Login and choose "Verisk".
Digimap - Global Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Login and choose "Global".
Digimap - Historic Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Online access to historic Ordnance Survey maps from Landmark Information Group. Login and choose "Historic".
Digimap - Lidar Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Login and choose "Lidar".
Digimap - Marine Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Login and choose "Marine". View and download hydrographic and marine data from SeaZone Solutions Ltd. Two datasets: Hydrospatial (in ESRI and MapInfo formats) and Charted Raster (GeoTiff format) are available.
Digimap - Society Digimap
Access for UCL students and staff only. Users must register with their UCL username and password on first use and agree to licence conditions. Login and choose "Society".
Landmap
Provides orthorectified satellite image mosaics of Landsat (including Mediterranean), SPOT and ERS radar data and a high resolution Digital Elevation Model for the British Isles.
LandScan, UK data 2010-2013
Using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing, Landscan uses spatial data and imagery analysis technologies and a multi-variable dasymetric modeling approach to disaggregate census counts within an administrative boundary. LandScan population distribution models are tailored to match the data conditions and geographical nature of each individual country and region.
LandScan 2014 onwards
Using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing, Landscan uses spatial data and imagery analysis technologies and a multi-variable dasymetric modeling approach to disaggregate census counts within an administrative boundary. LandScan population distribution models are tailored to match the data conditions and geographical nature of each individual country and region

Country, socio-economic and census data

Cross-National Time-Series Data Archive (CNTS Archive)
The CNTS archive has 196 variables and contains data for over 200 countries from 1815 onward (excluding 1914-1918 and 1940-1945). Data covers economic, political, population and demographic variables. Emphasis is on domestic conflict (events occurring within a particular country), political, legislative and economic data.
Economist Intelligence Unit Country Reports Archive, 1952-1995
The Economist Intelligence Unit has published Country Reports since 1952, covering almost 200 countries. Each report presents detailed statistics alongside expert commentary and forecasting from the EIU’s analysts. This database presents the historical reports up to 1995. For current reports, access EIU Viewpoint.
EIU Viewpoint
Combines the Economist Intelligence Unit’s expert political insights, policy analysis and economic outlook with forward-looking forecasts and proprietary data. Includes EIU Country Reports.
fDi Markets
Database of cross border greenfield investments covering all countries and sectors worldwide. Provides access to real-time monitoring of investment projects, capital investment and job creation.
ICPSR
You need to create an account in order to download data. ICPSR acquires, preserves, enhances, and distributes original social science research data for research and instruction.
ICRG Researchers' Dataset Table 3B (Political Risk)
The ICRG Researcher's Dataset - Table 3B provides annual averages of the 12 components of ICRG's Political Risk Ratings (Table 3B), as published in the International Country Risk Guide since 1984. Average ratings are provided for all countries covered by ICRG from 1984 through the last full calendar year.
OECD iLibrary
Index of publications from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Formerly SourceOECD.
Statista
Statista is an online portal for statistics consolidating statistical data on over 80,000 topics from more than 22,500 sources and covering over 170 different industries. UCL users do not have access to the Company database or the Global Consumer Survey. The Research AI assistant can provide useful insights into Statista data, but be aware of the limitations of using generative AI for your academic work.
UK Data Service
The UK Data Service is a comprehensive resource funded by the ESRC to support researchers, teachers and policymakers who depend on high-quality social and economic data. Registration is required if you wish to download, order or analyse data online, where this is possible. Use your UCL username and password.
UN Comtrade (United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database)
On first use select ‘Login’ then ‘Sign up now’ with your @ucl.ac.uk email address. UCL users should see My Comtrade Premium when registered. To request the API subscription key, please follow this guide . UN Comtrade contains detailed imports and exports statistics reported by statistical authorities of approx 200 countries or areas. It concerns annual trade data from 1962 to the present.
World Bank Open Data
Statistics on development in countries around the globe, collated by the World Bank. Consists of a number of datasets including development indicators, debt statistics and trade logistics statistics. Openly available.

Data and statistics

Guide to data and statistics
Includes resource lists mainly in the social sciences, alongside support material and FAQs, but also pointers to finding data more generally. Also, there’s further information and guidance about analysing, visualising, referencing and managing data, as well as text and data mining.