Shapefile / GeoJSON
Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI)
The most comprehensive global glacier outline dataset with over 200,000 glaciers, including area and volume attributes.
Glacier change monitoring Sea level rise assessment
Glaciers & ice
Glaciers, Snow & Ice Data
Global glacier inventories, snow cover, sea ice extent, and frozen ground datasets from NSIDC, GLIMS, and MODIS sources.
Quick answer: compare official sources, download formats, coverage, licensing, and practical GIS workflows in this Glaciers & ice directory.
Glaciers Snow cover Sea ice Ice sheets Cryosphere
Downloadable datasets in this category
4
Each dataset page captures official source links, access notes, and related GIS workflows.
Official sources and direct access
Mixed delivery
Find provider portals, available file downloads and instructions for accessing each source.
Spatial data guidance
Choose a source
Compare geographic coverage, file formats and reuse terms before choosing data for your map or analysis.
Glacier and ice pages help cryosphere researchers find global glacier outlines, snow cover time series, sea ice extent, and lake/wetland data for climate change monitoring.
These datasets pair naturally with ArcticDEM, permafrost, and climate data for comprehensive high-latitude and cryosphere analysis.
Downloadable datasets in this category
Category directory
Open a dataset guide for source links, download steps and practical answers about working with the files.
HDF / GeoTIFF / WMTS
MODIS Snow Cover (MOD10A1)
Daily and 8-day global snow cover at 500m resolution from MODIS Terra and Aqua (2000-present).
Snow cover monitoring Hydrological modeling
GeoTIFF / Shapefile / WMTS
NSIDC Sea Ice Extent & Concentration
Satellite-derived daily and monthly sea ice extent and concentration for the Arctic and Antarctic from 1979-present.
Sea ice monitoring Climate change research
Shapefile / ESRI Grid
Global Lakes and Wetlands Database (GLWD)
Global polygonal dataset of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and wetlands at three levels of detail from WWF and CIESIN.
Limnology research Wetland conservation planning
Recommended glacier workflow
How to choose a source
- Use the Randolph Glacier Inventory for a complete global glacier outline dataset with area and volume attributes.
- Use MODIS Snow Cover for daily to monthly snow extent monitoring.
- Use NSIDC Sea Ice data for Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent and concentration analysis.
- Combine with ArcticDEM and climate data for glacier mass balance studies.
Category FAQ
Category FAQ
What is the most comprehensive free glacier dataset?
The Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI) provides the most comprehensive global glacier outlines, covering over 200,000 glaciers with area, length, and classification attributes.
How frequently is snow cover data available?
MODIS Snow Cover provides daily global snow extent at 500m resolution from 2000 to present, with 8-day composites for cloud-free analysis.