Places are categorized to help identify the place. These Place Types have unique codes that may be used to filter results for some resources. They also have localized names, so they can be displayed along with the localized place name.
Here are some examples of place types:
One of the major land masses on the earth. GeoPlanet is built on a seven continent model: Asia (24865671), Africa (24865670), North America (24865672), South America (24865673), Antarctica (28289421), Europe (24865675), and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, and the other islands in the Pacific Ocean -- 24865674).
One of the countries and dependent territories defined by the ISO 3166-1 standard.
One of the primary administrative areas within a country. Place type names associated with this place type include: State, Province, Prefecture, Country, Region, Federal District.
One of the secondary administrative areas within a country. Place type names associated with this place type include: County, Province, Parish, Department, District.
One of the tertiary administrative areas within a country. Place type names associated with this place type include: Commune, Municipality, District, Ward.
One of the major populated places within a country. This category includes incorporated cities and towns, major unincorporated towns and villages.
One of the subdivisions within a town. This category includes suburbs, neighborhoods, wards.
One of the postal code areas within a country. This category includes both full postal codes (such as those in UK and CA) and partial postal codes. Examples include: SW1A 0AA (UK), 90210 (US), 179-0074 (JP).
A place that refers to a region consisting of multiple countries or an historical country that has been dissolved into current countries. Examples include Scandinavia, Latin America, USSR, Yugoslavia, Western Europe, and Central America.
Examples are New England, French Riviera, 関西地方(Kansai Region), South East England, Pacific States, and Chubu Region.
A place that refers to an area defined by the Olson standard. Examples include America/Los Angeles, Asia/Tokyo, Europe/Madrid.