ETOPO1
Use ETOPO1 for 1-arc-minute global relief combining land elevation and ocean bathymetry, ideal for world-scale cartography and ocean modeling.
Format
GeoTIFF / NetCDF
Geometry
Raster (topo+bathy)
Coverage
Global (land + ocean)
Resolution
1 arc-minute (~1.8 km)
About this dataset
NOAA ETOPO1 1-arc-minute global topography and bathymetry dataset combining land elevation with ocean floor depth for integrated relief models.
ETOPO1 is a 1-arc-minute (~1.8 km) global relief model that integrates land topography with ocean bathymetry. It provides both ice surface and bedrock versions in both geographic and polar projections. ETOPO1 is widely used for global cartography, ocean modeling, and as a background relief layer in GIS and visualization projects.
How to download
- 1 Visit the NOAA NCEI ETOPO1 product page to review documentation and version options.
- 2 Choose between ice surface and bedrock versions, and between geographic and polar projections.
- 3 Download the GeoTIFF or NetCDF file directly — no registration is required.
- 4 Load the global relief raster in QGIS or your preferred GIS; use the bathymetry values (negative) for ocean modeling or the combined surface for visual relief shading.
FAQ
What is the difference between ETOPO1 ice surface and bedrock versions?
The ice surface version represents the top of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, while the bedrock version shows the terrain beneath the ice. Choose based on whether your analysis needs the visible ice surface or sub-glacial topography.
Is ETOPO1 suitable for detailed hydrological modeling?
No. At 1 arc-minute (~1.8 km) resolution, ETOPO1 is too coarse for catchment-scale hydrology. Use SRTM, MERIT DEM, or Copernicus DEM for higher-resolution terrain analysis.