This dataset was obtained by delineating drainage basin boundaries from hydrologically corrected elevation data (HydroSHEDS and Hydro1K). Input data resolution is 15 arc-seconds between 60 N and 60 S latitude (based on SRTM), and 30 arc-seconds for higher latitudes (based on GTOPO30). The dataset consists of the following information: numerical code (MAJ_BAS), name (MAJ_NAME) and area (MAJ_AREA) of the major basin in square km.
Data creation: 2011-02-02
Supplemental Information:
This dataset is developed as part of a GIS-based information system on water resources. It has been published in the framework of the AQUASTAT - programme of the Land and Water Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The map is also available in the SOLAW Report 15: “Sustainable options for addressing land and water problems – A problem tree and case studies”.
Citation:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO Land and Water Division. Major hydrological basins of the world. Latest update: 02/02/2011. Accessed (dd-mm/yy) from: https://data.apps.fao.org/catalog//iso/7707086d-af3c-41cc-8aa5-323d8609b2d1
Contact points:
Metadata Contact: AQUASTAT
Resource Contact: Jippe Hoogeveen
Data lineage:
The majority of the linework of the map was obtained by delineating drainage basin boundaries from hydrologically corrected elevation data with a resolution of 15 arc-seconds. The elevation dataset was part of a mapping product, HydroSHEDS, developed by the Conservation Science Program of World Wildlife Fund. Original input data had been obtained during NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Areas north of the SRTM extent, 60 degrees N, were obtained by merging with the HYDRO1k basin layer.
Resource constraints:
This product "Major hydrological basins of the world" incorporates data from the HydroSHEDS database which is © World Wildlife Fund, Inc. (2006-2013) and has been used herein under license. WWF has not evaluated the data as altered and incorporated within the "Major hydrological basins of the world dataset", and therefore gives no warranty regarding its accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for any particular purpose.
Online resources:
Download - Major hydrological basins of the world (ESRI shapefile)
HydroSHEDS dataset download and technical information
Major rivers of the world
