rmap review
A focused R package for thematic maps, not a full GIS analysis environment.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
rmap pros and cons
- 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
rmap fact sheet, pricing and score →
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