The modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’ is an error when you are using Matplotlib.
This no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’ occurs if the module mpl_toolkits basemap that you are trying to import is not installed.
So by that, Python is unable to find the module.
In this article, we will show you the solution to this error no module named mpl_toolkits.basemap we can guarantee that it will resolve the error right away.
What is modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’ error?
ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'mpl_toolkits.basemap'The error message modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’ usually displayed if you didn’t install the module and you just directly imported it.
This error implies that the module ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap‘ is not found by the Python interpreter.
Aside from that, it suggests the module you are trying to import is not installed in your system and is not located in the current environment you are using.
Why does the error modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’ occur?
There are many reasons why this no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap‘ occur. Here are some possible reasons:
- It is the most common reason for the issue because the mpl_toolkits.basemap module is not installed on your system.
- The mpl_toolkits.basemap module is already installed, but it is in the incorrect module path or it’s not in your system path.
- mpl_toolkits.basemap module has a different version than your Python version.
How to fix the error modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’
Time needed: 2 minutes
Here are the effective solutions for this modulenotfounderror: no module named mpl_toolkits.basemap.
It is very easy just open your command prompt (Windows) or terminal (MacOS or Linux).
Then execute the following command:
- Module is not installed
You have to install the mpl_toolkits.basemap to run the program and to resolve this error.
If you are using Python and Python 2:
If you are using Python and Python 3, this command is applicable for Windows and Linux:
If you are using Anaconda, use this command.
✔ conda install basemap
or, you can use:
✔ conda install -c conda-forge basemap
If you are using Jupyter Notebook, use this command:
✔ !pip install basemap
✔ !pip install basemap-data - Incorrect module path
When you already installed the module, but it is in a different location, this error still occurs.
You need to import the correct path module. - Verify basemap
Check if you installed successfully the basemap module in Python.
Remember
When you already install the mpl_toolkits.basemap module yet you are still encountering this error modulenotfounderror: no module named mpl_toolkits.basemap.
Here are the things that you should remember:
✅ You should ensure that you installed the mpl_toolkits.basemap module in the correct version of Python and in the correct environment.
✅ You can simply check your Python version by executing the following command in your command prompt or terminal:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Python ModuleNotFoundError and what causes it?
ModuleNotFoundError (a subclass of ImportError) is raised when Python cannot find the module you tried to import. Common causes: the package isn’t installed (pip install missing), wrong virtual environment activated, typo in module name, or Python can’t find your local module on the import path. The error message names exactly which module is missing.
How do I fix ‘ModuleNotFoundError: No module named X’?
Run pip install X first. If that succeeds but you still get the error, check which Python you’re using (which python OR python –version) vs which pip (which pip OR pip –version), they must match. Common gotcha: pip points to system Python 3.9 but you’re running python3.11 in a venv. Inside the venv, use python -m pip install X to be sure pip matches the active Python.
Why does my code work in one environment but not another?
Different Python versions or different installed packages. To diagnose: pip freeze > requirements.txt on the working environment, then pip install -r requirements.txt on the broken one. Use virtualenv (python -m venv venv) or conda for every project to avoid system-wide package collisions.
Is ModuleNotFoundError the same as ImportError?
ModuleNotFoundError is a subclass of ImportError added in Python 3.6. It specifically means ‘no such module exists.’ Plain ImportError covers a wider set: module exists but a name inside it can’t be imported (e.g. ‘cannot import name X from Y’). except ImportError catches both; except ModuleNotFoundError catches only the missing-module case.
Where can I find more ModuleNotFoundError fixes?
Browse the ModuleNotFoundError reference hub for 198+ specific module fixes (TensorFlow, Flask, Django, pandas, numpy, etc.). For related issues see ImportError. For broader Python setup see Python Tutorial hub.
Conclusion
By following the solutions that this article has already given above. You will be able to fix the modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘mpl_toolkits.basemap’ error and run your code successfully without any errors.
We also have solutions if you encounter an error like modulenotfounderror no module named ‘pythoncom.’
Thank you very much for reading until the end of this article.
Caren Bautista
Technical Writer at PIES IT Solution
Responsible for crafting clear, well-structured, and beginner-friendly content across the platform. Handles the writing, proofreading, and editorial review of tutorials, guides, and documentation to ensure every article is accurate, readable, and easy to follow.
Expertise: Technical Writing · Content Creation · Documentation · Editorial Writing · JavaScript · TypeScript · Python · Python Errors · HTTP Errors · MS Excel · View all posts by Caren Bautista →