Data generated in the Lakes_cci project contains global lake products during the period 1992-2020, where and when data quality appropriate for climate studies can be achieved.

Main characteristics:

Water bodies observed in versions 2.0 and above:

Distribution of lakes in the Lakes_cci dataset v2.0

The latest files in netCDF format as well as the netCDF file containing the mask with the maximum water extent are hosted at the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis: lakes_cci v2.0.2

The list of lakes, including their location and thematic ECV data availability for version 2.0.2, can be downloaded in csv format (lakescci_v2.0.2_data-availability) or shape format (lakes_cci_v2.0.2_data_availability_shp)

The landmask and the distance to land dataset of 2024 lakes in the lakes_cci dataset is available at: lake mask

There are some scripts (in beta version) to download data in selected areas or on a specific lake in the project code repository. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for help with the data, or any other project information (lakes-cci@groupcls.com).


Tips for users:

The temporal availability of LWLR data depends on the sensor. The table below shows the time span and sensor source for LWLR and derived variables.

MODIS-Aqua coverage is for a reduced number of lakes after validation of inter-sensor consistency. In v2.0.2, 38 lakes out of 250 investigated have MODIS data included in the indicated period. The remainder of lakes is being investigated during phase 2 of the project

lakes_cci LWLR coverage

As LWL is altimetry-based, water level information for some lakes is not available as they are not covered by past and current altimetry missions.