HydroSHEDS
Quick answer: HydroSHEDS is a standard global source for river and basin mapping when you need more than a coastline reference layer.
Next step
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Format
Shapefile / GeoTIFF
Geometry
Lines / polygons / rasters
Coverage
Global
Resolution
15s / 30s / 5min products
About this dataset
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.
How to download
- 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.
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.