Published June 10, 2022 | Version v1
GEO-ECO Web Portal Open

Online Explorer Tool: The Global Island Explorer

  • 1. ROR icon United States Geological Survey
Hosting institution:
United States Geological Survey1
  • 1. ROR icon United States Geological Survey

Description

Although ocean islands are ubiquitous on the planet, and are homes to a stunning variety of people, plants, and animals, there have been surprisingly few attempts to accurately delineate all the islands on Earth. Every landmass, no matter how big, is surrounded by ocean waters. Island sizes range from continental (e.g. Africa), to very large (e.g. Madagascar) to large (e.g. Tasmania) to medium (e.g. Maui), to small (e.g. Key West) to very small islands and tiny rock outcrops. Size is relative, however, and there is no accepted standard for what separates big islands from small islands. A new mapping of global coastlines from satellite imagery was used to develop a new global islands database, which can be accessed using the new Global Island Explorer (GIE). The new islands data are also available for download.

Accessing the Global Island Explorer

To access Global Island Explorer, please refer to the following link (no login required): https://rmgsc.cr.usgs.gov/gie/gie.shtml

Additional details

See also

Created:
October 28, 2022
Modified:
January 2, 2025