Research Tools: New Database Provides World’s Most Comprehensive Data on River Barriers and Reservoirs

From the World Wildlife Fund:

A new database developed by the Global Dam Watch (GDW) consortium is set to revolutionize our understanding of river barriers and reservoirs worldwide. The database, known as the GDW database, integrates existing global datasets to provide the most comprehensive and globally consistent resou[Cliprce for large-scale analyses to date.

Researchers and policymakers can learn more about the GDW database in a new peer-reviewed journal article in Scientific Data and access the full dataset to gain valuable insights into these crucial water management systems here.

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Version 1.0 of the GDW database contains 41,145 barrier locations and 35,295 associated reservoir polygons. These barriers represent a cumulative storage capacity of 7,420 km3 and an artificial terrestrial surface water area of 304,600 km2.

“The Global Dam Watch (GDW) database consolidates the world’s largest open-access global datasets into a unified, comprehensive resource with consistent dam attribute information. Together with other tools available at www.globaldamwatch.org, its release aims to empower the community to enhance our understanding of the socio-economic and environmental costs and benefits of dams,” said Mark Mulligan, Professor of Physical and Environmental Geography at King’s College London.

Learn More, Read the Complete Announcement

Direct to Global Dam Watch (GDW)

Filed under: Data Files, Management and Leadership, News, Open Access