Following our previous article 《「GIS Data」Global Maximum Personal Income Tax Rates for 2023》, many readers requested guidance on visualizing the data. This guide demonstrates a rapid technique to acquire global administrative boundaries using native QGIS functionality - no plugins required.

Note: While remarkably simple, this approach requires boundary verification, particularly for China.

Data Acquisition Method

  1. Launch QGIS Desktop
  2. Navigate to the search bar at the interface bottom
  3. Enter "world"

The native "World Administrative Boundaries" dataset will load automatically.

Critical Notice: The default dataset contains cartographic inaccuracies for China's territorial boundaries.

Boundary Verification & Correction

Step 1: Export Original Dataset

Right-click layer → Export → Save Features As...

Step 2: Merge with Authoritative Data

  1. Acquire standardized Chinese boundary dataset (e.g., from national surveying authorities)

  2. In QGIS:

    • Overlay corrected Chinese boundaries
    • Use Geoprocessing tools to extract China's territory from global dataset
    • Merge with standardized dataset

Visualization Consistency

Maintain chromatic uniformity when integrating corrected boundaries:

  1. Extract original color scheme via Layer Styling panel
  2. Apply identical symbology to corrected Chinese boundaries

Implementation Notes

  • Recommended Alternative: Procure professionally validated global datasets from national geospatial agencies
  • Advanced Workflow: Implement geometric correction algorithms (e.g., rubber-sheeting) to reconcile boundary conflicts
  • Data Contribution: Verified global datasets are welcomed for community sharing

Complete QGIS Resources

QGIS Learning Notes Compendium