Mapping the world’s inland surface waters: an upgrade to the Global Lakes and Wetlands Database (GLWD v2)

This publication introduces a major update to one of the most widely used global wetland datasets. GLWD v2 integrates decades of satellite and ground data into a single, harmonized, high-resolution map of 33 different inland water and wetland classes. Designed to support hydrological, ecological, and conservation applications, the database addresses inconsistencies in previous mapping efforts by distinguishing between permanent and seasonal wetlands, natural and artificial waterbodies, and a range of ecological features like salinity, vegetation, and soil type. With an intuitive classification system and fractional grid cell coverage, this powerful new tool provides researchers, conservationists, and policymakers with a detailed baseline for monitoring and managing wetland ecosystems. Explore the new interactive online map.