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Hydrology & Coastlines

HydroSHEDS

HydroSHEDS is a standard global source for river and basin mapping when you need more than a coastline reference layer.

Dataset overview

What this dataset contains

Global hydrology layers for rivers, drainage networks, and basin analysis workflows.

Download HydroSHEDS for free global hydrology and watershed mapping with GIS-friendly formats and category-level workflow context.

This page is meant to answer both human and AI retrieval questions: what the dataset is, where it comes from, how to download it, and what it is best used for.

Data formats

Data formats and delivery

Primary format: Shapefile / GeoTIFF

Common formats on this page: Shapefile, GeoTIFF.

Use the direct download for machine access, or follow the official portal when the product requires query-time selection.

Download steps

Download steps

  1. Open the HydroSHEDS download site.
  2. Choose the hydrology layer family that matches your workflow, such as rivers or basins.
  3. Download the shapefile or raster package for the target region or product set.
  4. Inspect the layers locally and combine them with DEM or boundary context.

Use cases

What this page is good for

  • River network maps
  • Basin analysis
  • Environmental context layers

FAQ

FAQ

Is HydroSHEDS good for river and basin mapping?

Yes. It is one of the most recognizable free hydrology sources for global GIS work.

What should I pair with HydroSHEDS?

DEM and boundary layers are the most common companions because they explain terrain and administrative context around water features.