rmap
rmap: A focused R package for thematic maps, not a full GIS analysis environment. Ranked #61 of 64 in GIS Software by our editors (3.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple programmatic thematic maps.
At a glance
- Editor score3.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSimple programmatic thematic maps
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Spatial analysisBasic
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Plots polygon and gridded data from tabular inputs
- Finds built-in maps from region names and supports custom shapes
- Returns ggplot objects for further styling and customization
Where it doesn't
- Focused on visualization, not spatial manipulation or full GIS analysis
- Desktop R package rather than a browser-based GIS application
- Community support may not suit teams seeking direct vendor support
Our verdict on rmap
For R users who need to turn tabular spatial data into thematic maps, rmap keeps the work focused on visualization. It plots polygon and gridded data, can select built-in maps based on region names in the data, and supports custom shapes. Its intended audience includes people with limited GIS experience who want maps and scenario comparisons without treating the package as a full GIS environment.
The mapping toolkit covers country, state, river-basin and customized maps, along with layers, projections, legends, palettes and styling. Difference maps support comparisons across scenarios or time periods. Returning ggplot objects also gives R users a route to continue customization in that ecosystem. These features make rmap a practical fit for programmatic thematic visualization; they do not make it a substitute for tools centered on spatial manipulation or cartography.
rmap is open source and has a free plan, with desktop deployment on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is an R package rather than a browser-based GIS application, so it suits workflows built around R more than users seeking a standalone web mapping or dashboard interface. The published feature set describes gridded plotting, but that should not be taken as confirmation of raster-file support. Choose rmap for straightforward map rendering and scenario comparisons; choose a broader GIS tool when spatial analysis and data manipulation are central to the work.
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rmap pricing
rmap fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Spatial analysis | Basic |
| Web mapping | No |
| Dashboard builder | No |
| Raster data support | Yes |
| Mobile apps | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | jgcri.github.io |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to rmap
- QGISA broad, no-cost GIS for advanced analysis, editing, mapping, and publishing.9.4
- GRASS GISA deep analytical GIS for technical teams that value open-source and scripted workflows.9.2
- Google Earth EngineA specialized GIS platform for large-scale satellite imagery, raster analysis, and geospatial computation.9.1
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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