Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD)
HWSD is a 30 arc-second global soil database from FAO/IIASA harmonizing regional soil maps with consistent classification for texture, carbon, pH, and drainage parameters.
Format
ESRI Grid / ASCII / MDB
Geometry
Raster (soil class grid)
Coverage
Global
Resolution
30 arc-seconds (~1km)
About this dataset
FAO/IIASA global soil database combining regional soil maps with harmonized classification at 30 arc-second resolution.
The Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD) is a comprehensive global soil resource database developed by FAO and IIASA. It combines regional and national soil maps from over 15 sources into a consistent classification at 30 arc-second (~1km) resolution, providing over 20 soil parameters including texture, organic carbon, pH, depth, and drainage class.
How to download
- 1 Open the FAO HWSD download page.
- 2 Choose HWSD v1.2 or v2.0 (v2.0 offers more detailed classification).
- 3 Download the raster dataset and linked attribute database.
- 4 Join the raster with the attribute table to map soil properties.
FAQ
How does HWSD differ from SoilGrids?
HWSD provides soil classification units (soil types) with tabular attributes derived from harmonized regional maps, while SoilGrids provides continuous property predictions from machine learning. HWSD offers better near-surface soil classification; SoilGrids provides depth-specific property estimates.
What soil parameters are available in HWSD?
HWSD provides over 20 soil parameters including texture class (sand/silt/clay), organic carbon, pH, cation exchange capacity, and depth to rock.