• This data set was recently downgraded to a “Basic” Level of Service. Learn more about what this means for users here

World Glacier Inventory, Version 1
Data set id:
G01130
DOI: 10.7265/N5/NSIDC-WGI-2012-02
This is the most recent version of these data.

Overview

Notice: Due to funding limitations, this data set was recently changed to a “Basic” Level of Service. Learn more about what this means for users and how you can share your story here: Level of Service Update for Data Products.

The World Glacier Inventory (WGI) contains information for over 130,000 glaciers, or about 85% of the total estimated number of glaciers. Inventory parameters include geographic location, area, length, orientation, elevation, and classification. The WGI is based primarily on aerial photographs and maps with most glaciers having one data entry only. Hence, the dataset can be viewed as a snapshot of the glacier distribution in the second half of the 20th century. It is based on the original WGI (WGMS 1989) from the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS).
Parameter(s):
GLACIERS
Platform(s):
AIRCRAFT
GROUND STATIONS
Sensor(s):
CAMERAS
VISUAL OBSERVATIONS
Data Format(s):
ASCII
Temporal Coverage:
  • 1 January 1900 to 31 December 2003
Temporal Resolution:
  • Varies
Spatial Resolution:
  • Not Specified
Spatial Reference System(s):
Not Specified
Spatial Coverage:
  • Northern latitude
    89.3
    Southern latitude
    -71.66
    Eastern longitude
    180
    Western longitude
    -180
Blue outlined yellow areas on the map below indicate the spatial coverage for this data set.

Data Access

How to access and download NOAA@NSIDC data
This help article explains how to access the data via HTTPS, wget and with Python and R scripts.
Launch the World Glacier Inventory Search
Search the entire World Glacier Inventory by glacier name, number, or parameters (latitude/longitude, altitude, size, length, features). Specify output parameters and format (text or .csv file).

Documentation

  • Rendering Links ...