Global Wetland Extent Mapping Systems

Mapping systems, Data and Methodologies

Online mapping applications and datasets (along with their methodologies) are available from a number of sources.

SDG 6.6.1 Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer Mapping Application with general information and Data download
SDG 6.6.1 Monitoring Methodology and for sub-indicator methodologies
- Measuring Wetland Area
- Measuring Changes in Reservoir Surface Areas
- Measuring Changes in Surface Water Area for Lakes and Rivers
- Measuring Changes in Mangroves Area
- Measuring or Modelling River Flow Discharge
- Measuring Quanity of Groundwater within Aquifers
- Measuring Lake Turbidity and Trophic State
Global Surface Water Explorer Mapping Application - data on extent and change back to 1984 with general information and Data download
CIFOR SWAMP Program Global Wetlands Ver 3 Mapping Application and Data download, plus methodology
Satellite-based Wetland Observation Service (SWOS) Geoportal and general information
Global Mangroves, Saltmarhes, Seagrass, Coral Reefs, Cold-water Corals and Tidal Flat Ecosystems
Global Mangrove Height & Biomass Explorer
Global Mangroves, Saltmarhes, Seagrass, Coral Reefs, Cold-water Corals and Tidal Flat Ecosystems
Global Distribution of Mangroves USGS (2021)
Global Mangrove Watch (1996 - 2020) - with download links for data to 2020 (UNEP, WCMS)
Global Mangrove Forests - Resource Watch Online viewer with times series slider and download option 1996 - 2016
Global biophysical typology of mangroves (1996 - 2020)
World Atlas of Mangroves
High-resolution mapping of losses and gains of Earth's tidal wetlands, Murray et al (2022) and Supplementary Material
Global Intertidal Wetland Probability Explorer
Global Intertidal Change Explorer
Global Distribution of Saltmarshes (Online viewer 1973 - 2015 with download option)
Global Distribution of Tidal Flat Ecosystems (1984 - 2016)
Global Distribution of Coral Reefs (1954 - 2018)
Global Distribution of Cold-water Corals (1915 - 2014)
Global Distribution of Seagrasses Available as a point and poly layer with additional viewing options

Databases (not all of which have mapping applications)

Global Lakes and Wetlands Database and also WWF dB
World Wetlands Survey 2020 with findings from World Wetland Networks 2017 Survey
UN-WCMC Global Wetlands Dataset (1993)
NASA Global Distribution of Wetland Ecosystems (1987)
Global Mangrove Distribution, Aboveground Biomass and Canapy Height (ORNL DAAC, 2021)
Global Distribution of Mangroves USGS (2021)
Global Mangrove Watch (1996 - 2016)
Global biophysical typology of mangroves (1996 - 2020)
World Atlas of Mangroves
Global Intertidal Change Explorer
Global Distribution of Saltmarshes
Global Distribution of Tidal Flat Ecosystems (1984 - 2016)
Global Distribution of Coral Reefs (1954 - 2018)
Global Distribution of Cold-water Corals (1915 - 2014)
Global Distribution of Seagrasses
Global database of subterranean and interstitial aquatic biodiversity (Freshwater and Marine dBs) and project info. Global dB graphic (dB Status July 2021)
World Register of marine Cave Species (WoRCS) https://riojournal.com/article/10451/ and http://www.marinespecies.org/worcs/