Global Assessment of Human-induced Soil Degradation (GLASOD)

The GLASOD project (1987-1990), carried out for UNEP, has produced a world map of human-induced soil degradation. Data were compiled in cooperation with a large number of soil scientists throughout the world, using uniform Guidelines and international correlation. The status of soil degradation was mapped within loosely defined physiographic units (polygons), based on expert judgement. The type, extent, degree, rate and main causes of degradation have been printed on a global map, at a scale of 1:10 million, and documented in a downloadable database. Information about the areal extent of human-induced soil degradation can be found in an explanatory note.