Yes, IDL includes map data for the whole globe. A programmer could also import his/her own additional map data into IDL. To understand how this map data can be used in IDL, see the Online Help chapter at 'Contents tab page -> User's Guides -> Using IDL -> Map Projections'. Also, check out the instructions for the simple iTools IMAP interface in the Online Help chapter at 'Contents tab page -> User's Guides -> iTool User's Guide -> Working with Maps' Good luck, James Jones