GAUL compiles and disseminates the best available information on administrative units for all countries in the world, contributing to the standardization of the spatial dataset representing administrative units. GAUL always maintains global layers with a unified coding system in the country, first (e.g., departments) and second administrative level (e.g., districts). Where data is available, it provides country-by-country layers up to the third, fourth and lower levels. The general methodology consists of: a) collecting the best available data from the most reliable sources; b) establishing periods of validation of geographic resources (where possible); c) adding selected data to the global layer based on the latest country boundary map provided by the UN Cartographic Unit (UNCS), d) generating codes using the GAUL Coding System and e) distributing data to users. As GAUL works at a global level, undefined territories are reported. GAUL's approach is to deal with these areas in a way that preserves the national integrity of all countries in dispute. GAUL is released annually and the target beneficiary of GAUL data is the UN community and other authorized international and national partners. The data may not be officially validated by competent national sources and may not be distributed to the general public. A notice should always accompany any use of GAUL data.