GoKawiilThe boundary = administrative tag is used on relations that define an administrative area − territories recognised by governments for administrative purposes. This works rather like multipolygon – the relation consists of one or more boundary ways that must make up a closed area.
Administrative boundaries range from large groups of nation-states down to small administrative districts. An indication of their size/level of importance is given by the tag admin_level =* which takes a value from 1 to 11, as described below. Many administrative boundaries are currently also tagged with place =* .
It is recommended that all boundary areas are represented by type = boundary relations. Their border ways may be left completely untagged, with only outer and inner defined as appropriate. boundary = administrative is also often duplicated on the ways that build the relation, but such tagging is optional and may be safely skipped[1]
Locating the administrative boundary
When mapping administrative boundaries, beware of the special cases mentioned in this section.
Administrative boundary in case of disputes
Main article: Disputed territories
With regard to boundary conflicts, please note:
OSM follows On the Ground Rule. Boundaries recorded in OpenStreetMap are the ones that are the most widely internationally recognised and that best meet realities on the ground, generally meaning physical control. In areas without clearly defined borders, the line is approximate [ 2 ] .
. It does not mean that OSM community considers specific invasions/wars/whatever that resulted in border change as good/desirable/welcome/wrong. OSM community attempts to map world as it exists, not as it should exist.
... continue reading