WDPA Data Layers
The 2005 version of the WDPA has been greatly optimized to reduce the size of the database given the limitations of the CD-ROM format.
This CD-ROM contains a total of seven map layers of Protected Areas information in shape file format, point and polygon, and other six base layers to provide a geographical reference for visualizing the protected areas data.
Because of space limitations, we have decided to leave out one map layer with the regional protected areas polygon data. This large map layer contains detailed boundary data for different european regional agreements for two countries: United Kingdom and Ireland. If you need this layer, please contact the WDPA COnsortium.
All IUCN Protected Areas (points and polygons) have been classified based on their IUCN Protected Areas Category. International sites are classified following the site type (i.e., the International Convention or Agreement and Regional Directive Agreements).
The following table provides a description of all the Protected Area data layers and its availability status in the project file.
| Shapefile Designation | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Layers | Various | Several data layers in image or vector format that provide context for visualizing Protected Areas data. These include topography, hidrology, cities and roads, country boundaries |
| Country Boundaries | Polygon | Outline of country boundaries, including the coastline |
| National IUCN Protected Areas Boundaries | Polygon | Boundary outline of National Protected Areas of IUCN categories I through VI. You might want to activate this layer when working at a detailed scale. |
| Main Cities | Point | Country capitals and larger cities |
| Populated Places | Point | All populated places, from large cities to small towns or villages densities |
| National: IUCN Protected Areas: Points | Point | Established Protected Areas of IUCN categories I through VI |
| National: IUCN Protected Areas: Polygons | Polygon | |
| National: Other Areas: Points | Point | "Other Protected Areas," or reserves that may not be recognized at the national level (for example, indigenous reserves, private reserves, etc.). This layer also includes proposed protected areas, or those that have not yet been officially recognized, as well as other areas that lack the IUCN category information. |
| National: Other Areas: Polygons | Polygon | |
| International Sites: Points | Point | Sites recognized under international (global) conventions or agreements: Biosphere Reserves, RAMSAR and World Heritage Sites |
| International Sites: Polygons | Polygon | |
| Regional Sites: Points | Point | Sites recognized by regional agreements: , European Biogenetic Reserves, Bird Directive and Habitat Directive Sites, Barcelona and Helsinki Conventions Sites, Asean Heritage Sites, etc. |
| Regional Sites: Polygons | Polygon | |
| Elevation and Rivers | Image | Image layer showing topographic variations every 500 meters and main rivers |
| Roads | Image | Image layer showing roads classified into main roads and other |
| Land Area | Polygon | Land area of the Earth |