Print
Data Set ID:
G01130

World Glacier Inventory, Version 1

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).

This is the most recent version of these data.

COMPREHENSIVE Level of Service

Data: Data integrity and usability verified; data customization services available for select data

Documentation: Key metadata and comprehensive user guide available

User Support: Assistance with data access and usage; guidance on use of data in tools and data customization services

See All Level of Service Details

Parameter(s):
  • Glaciers/Ice Sheets > Glaciers > GLACIERS
Data Format(s):
  • ASCII
Spatial Coverage:
N: 89.3, 
S: -71.66, 
E: 180, 
W: -180
Platform(s):AIRCRAFT, GROUND STATIONS
Spatial Resolution:
  • Varies
Sensor(s):CAMERAS, VISUAL OBSERVATIONS
Temporal Coverage:
  • 1 January 1900 to 31 December 2003
(updated 2012)		Version(s):V1
Temporal ResolutionVariesMetadata XML:View Metadata Record
Data Contributor(s):WGMS

Geographic Coverage

Search Database: Get data using a database search interface.

Would you like to receive updates and notifications regarding this data set? Subscribe below and stay informed. PLEASE NOTE: You only need to fill this form out once.

FTP data can be downloaded through a Web browser (Firefox or Edge are recommended) or command line via FTP. For help downloading data through an FTP client, go to the How to access data using an FTP client support page.

As a condition of using these data, you must cite the use of this data set using the following citation. For more information, see our Use and Copyright Web page.

WGMS, and National Snow and Ice Data Center (comps.). 1999, updated 2012. World Glacier Inventory, Version 1. [Indicate subset used]. Boulder, Colorado USA. NSIDC: National Snow and Ice Data Center. doi: https://doi.org/10.7265/N5/NSIDC-WGI-2012-02. [Date Accessed].

It appears your Web browser is not configured to display PDF files. Download adobe Acrobat or click here to download the PDF file.

No technical references available for this data set.
No FAQs or How Tos available for this data set.

Access complete Knowledge Base

Questions? Please contact:
NSIDC User Services
Phone: 1 303 492-6199
Email: nsidc@nsidc.org