If you work with GIS, environmental research, or sustainability, having access to reliable and up-to-date geospatial data is crucial.
That’s where the World Resources Institute (WRI) comes in.
WRI is a global research organization that provides open-access data on climate, forests, water resources, and urban development. Their high-quality datasets help governments, businesses, and researchers make data-driven decisions for a more sustainable world.
Let’s explore why WRI is one of the best data sources for GIS and environmental analysis.
1. Free and Open-Access Environmental Data
One of the biggest advantages of WRI is that its data is free and openly available.
- No licensing fees
- Accessible to anyone (researchers, NGOs, businesses, and governments)
- Available in GIS-friendly formats (Shapefiles, GeoJSON, CSV, and API access)
This makes it a valuable resource for climate researchers, policymakers, urban planners, and conservationists.
2. Comprehensive Global and Regional Datasets
WRI provides detailed datasets across multiple environmental categories:
Category | Example Datasets | Best For |
---|---|---|
Forests & Land Use | Global Forest Watch (deforestation, tree cover loss) | Monitoring deforestation, conservation planning |
Water Resources | Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas (droughts, floods, water stress) | Water security, disaster risk management |
Climate & Emissions | Climate Watch (GHG emissions, climate policies) | Tracking carbon footprints, policy analysis |
Energy & Infrastructure | Energy Access Explorer (solar, wind potential, power grids) | Renewable energy planning, rural electrification |
Urban Development | Urban Change Mapping, Global Roads Inventory | Sustainable city planning, infrastructure projects |
These datasets are continuously updated with new satellite imagery, field research, and government reports.
3. Powerful GIS Tools for Visualization and Analysis
WRI offers interactive mapping platforms that make complex environmental data easy to understand.
Key Mapping Tools from WRI:
- Global Forest Watch – Tracks deforestation, wildfires, and tree cover loss.
- Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas – Analyzes water risk, floods, and droughts.
- Climate Watch – Monitors global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate policies.
- Energy Access Explorer – Helps plan solar, wind, and electricity access projects.
- Resource Watch – A dashboard combining real-time environmental data from multiple sources.
These tools don’t require GIS software—you can explore maps, download data, and create reports directly in the browser.
4. Trusted and Scientifically Validated Data
WRI collaborates with NASA, NOAA, Google, universities, and government agencies to ensure high-quality and scientifically backed datasets.
Why does this matter?
- Accurate – WRI data is reviewed and validated before publication.
- Consistent – Global datasets follow standardized methodologies.
- Actionable – Governments and NGOs use WRI data for policy decisions and environmental action.
If you need reliable environmental data for research or decision-making, WRI is one of the most trusted sources available.
5. Easy Integration with GIS Software and APIs
WRI datasets are available in multiple formats, making them easy to use in GIS, programming, and web applications.
- Shapefiles and GeoJSON – For QGIS, ArcGIS, and geospatial tools.
- CSV files – For tabular data analysis in Excel or Python.
- API Access – Automate data retrieval with WRI’s open APIs.
For example, Global Forest Watch API allows developers to track deforestation in real-time, while Aqueduct API provides water risk data for hydrology modeling.
If you’re working with big data, GIS mapping, or web applications, WRI provides ready-to-use datasets and API solutions.
6. Real-Time and Historical Environmental Monitoring
Unlike static datasets, WRI platforms integrate real-time satellite data and historical records.
For example:
- Global Forest Watch detects forest loss in near real-time, using NASA’s MODIS satellite imagery.
- Aqueduct Floods provides historical flood maps and future flood risk projections.
- Climate Watch tracks historical GHG emissions and global climate commitments.
This allows governments, businesses, and researchers to make informed decisions based on the latest data.
7. Crucial for Climate Change and Sustainability Research
WRI data is widely used for:
- Tracking deforestation and land use changes
- Analyzing water stress and drought conditions
- Measuring greenhouse gas emissions and climate targets
- Planning renewable energy and infrastructure projects
- Monitoring disasters like wildfires, floods, and extreme weather
With global coverage and scientifically validated datasets, WRI helps organizations make data-driven sustainability decisions.
How to Get Started with WRI Data
1. Explore WRI’s Data Portals
Visit Resource Watch to browse all datasets and interactive maps.
2. Download GIS Data
- Global Forest Watch: globalforestwatch.org
- Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas: wri.org/aqueduct
- Climate Watch: climatewatchdata.org
- Energy Access Explorer: energyaccessexplorer.org
3. Integrate with GIS Software and APIs
- Download shapefiles or GeoJSON for GIS software.
- Use WRI APIs for automated data retrieval.
- Combine WRI data with Google Earth Engine for large-scale analysis.
Final Thoughts
If you need high-quality, free, and up-to-date environmental data, the World Resources Institute (WRI) is one of the best sources available.
With its interactive mapping platforms, global datasets, and GIS integration, WRI is a must-have resource for:
- Environmental scientists and GIS professionals
- Urban planners and policymakers
- Non-profits and conservation organizations
- Businesses working on sustainability and climate risk
Start exploring and downloading WRI data today at Resource Watch!