Prototype Global Shoreline Data (Satellite Derived High Water Line Data)

The NGA Office of Global Navigation, Maritime Domain is in the process of developing a new version of World Vector Shoreline (WVS?) and in support of this effort has acquired a satellite derived Global Shoreline Data set. This new Global Shoreline Data set is an approximation of the High Water Line; it is NOT a Mean High Water Line, since the source data have not been tide coordinated. Regions 2, 3, and part of 10 were updated with post December 2004 imagery, so as to update the region after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Work to fill in gaps in the prototype Global Shoreline Data set, particularly cloud cover gaps, has now been completed. Continuous shoreline data, approximately between 60 degrees north and 56 degrees south, are being made available.

IMPORTANT: The Global Shoreline Data set continues to be reviewed and updated since the original LANDSAT data were acquired. These data are not perfect in that changes such as land reclamation may have occurred since the original NGA compilation. These data are not intended for safety of navigation products and do not necessarily reflect recognition of the political status of an area by the coastal nations affected or by the United States Government. Region 29 shoreline is not available and the small sliver of Region 13 on the right side of the Region Diagram has no shoreline.

DATA SOURCE REFERENCING

NGA is providing source reference graphics to provide source reference to specific segments of shoreline. These reference graphics consist of three path row shape files, labeled:
GS_master_pathrow (Global Shoreline Images)
GF_master_pathrow (Gap Fill Images)
TS_master_pathrow(Tsunami Shoreline Images)
Refer to the Global Shoreline Data whitepaper for detailed descriptions of each.

Please read the updated Global Shoreline Data whitepaper.

NOTE: NGA would be pleased to receive comments from Hydrographic Offices and other users who identify needed changes to the Global Shoreline Data set. If data free of copyright is available this may be submitted but with a statement that it is free of copyright, viaMCDGSD@nga.mil. Otherwise indicate the location and type of correction needed and NGA will make revision subject to verification.

To download a region shapefile, please mouse-over and select from the image below.
NOTE: There is no data available for region 29.