Back to data catalog
wetlans • inland water body • lake • river • reservoir • peatland • mangrove • delta • saltmarsh
The Global Lakes and Wetlands Database (GLWD) version 2 provides global spatial data on the extent and distribution of inland water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and wetlands. It offers high-resolution polygon and grid datasets for use in hydrological modeling, climate research, and biodiversity assessments.
Documentation
Explore the documentation for Global Lakes and Wetlands Database version 2
Download
Download Global Lakes and Wetlands Database version 2
GLWD v2 (Global Lakes and Wetlands Database version 2) is a comprehensive global dataset mapping the extent and distribution of inland water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and wetlands.
GLWD v2 offers both polygon and raster datasets at global scale, designed to support hydrological modeling, climate impact studies, and ecosystem assessments.
The database focuses exclusively on inland aquatic systems, explicitly excluding marine and coastal waters, and includes water bodies as small as 0.1 km², as well as seasonal and permanent wetlands.
GLWD v2 is widely used for applications such as global freshwater biodiversity analysis, water resource monitoring, and environmental planning, offering a foundational layer for large-scale ecological and hydrological research.