Last modified: Jun 01, 2025 By Alexander Williams
Install Cartopy in Python Easily
Cartopy is a Python library for geospatial data visualization. It makes creating maps easy. It works well with Matplotlib.
This guide will show you how to install Cartopy. You will also learn basic usage examples.
Prerequisites for Cartopy
Before installing Cartopy, you need some dependencies:
Python 3.6 or higher is required. You should also have pip installed. Basic Python knowledge helps.
For geospatial work, you might need GeoPandas or Fiona.
Install Cartopy Using pip
The easiest way to install Cartopy is with pip. Run this command:
pip install cartopy
This will download and install Cartopy. It will also install required dependencies.
Verify Cartopy Installation
After installation, verify it works. Open Python and try importing Cartopy:
import cartopy
print(cartopy.__version__)
This should print the installed version. No errors means it works.
Common Installation Issues
Some users face installation problems. Here are common fixes:
Missing dependencies: Cartopy needs GEOS and PROJ. On Linux, install them first.
For Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt-get install libgeos-dev proj-bin
For Windows, use conda instead of pip. It handles dependencies better.
Basic Cartopy Example
Here's a simple map example using Cartopy:
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import cartopy.crs as ccrs
fig = plt.figure(figsize=(10, 5))
ax = fig.add_subplot(1, 1, 1, projection=ccrs.PlateCarree())
ax.coastlines()
plt.title("Basic World Map")
plt.show()
This code shows a world map with coastlines. The PlateCarree
projection is used.
Cartopy with Other Libraries
Cartopy works well with other geospatial libraries. You can use it with Basemap or Rasterio.
For shapefile support, consider pyshp.
Conclusion
Installing Cartopy is straightforward with pip. It's powerful for geospatial visualization.
Remember to install dependencies first if you have issues. Cartopy works best with other geospatial Python libraries.
Now you're ready to create beautiful maps in Python!