Shapefile / GeoTIFF
HydroSHEDS
Global hydrology layers for rivers, drainage networks, and basin analysis workflows.
River network maps Basin analysis
Hydrology
Hydrology & Coastlines
Hydrology, rivers, basin, and coastline datasets for water and environmental mapping.
HydroSHEDS Rivers Basins Coastlines
Downloadable datasets in this category
1
Each dataset page captures official source links, access notes, and related GIS workflows.
Official sources and direct access
Mixed delivery
Pages combine official portals, direct downloads, and task-focused usage guidance in one canonical URL.
GEO coverage
Task-first content
Intros, FAQs, and workflows are written to answer real “where do I download…” searches.
Hydrology pages concentrate on reusable global water layers with clear downstream analysis value.
These sources work well in comparison blocks because users often need rivers, basins, or coastlines together with DEM data.
Downloadable datasets in this category
Category directory
Category pages aggregate the most useful entry points first, then push visitors into detailed dataset pages with richer steps and FAQ sections.
Recommended hydrology workflow
How to choose a source
- Start with HydroSHEDS for rivers and watershed context.
- Bring in DEM data when you need terrain-aware interpretation of flow and basin structure.
- Use coastlines and water layers together for environmental dashboards and regional atlases.
Category FAQ
Category FAQ
What free dataset should I use for global river and basin mapping?
HydroSHEDS is a common starting point because it provides global hydrology layers that are widely cited in GIS analysis.
Can I combine hydrology data with DEM downloads from this site?
Yes. The directory is structured so hydrology, DEM, and boundaries can cross-link into a clear analysis workflow.