WorldCereal harmonized reference datasets - extended and updated

Within the ESA WorldCereal project we have built a global, community-based and open repository of harmonized reference data on land cover, crop type and irrigation information. These datasets are typically used to construct and validate global cropland and crop type maps. We define reference data as all data which can either be used for calibrating classification algorithms or validating the resulting products. As such, reference data should contain location- and time-specific information about land cover and/or crop type. Reference data can include: 

• In-situ field data gathered through dedicated field surveys
• Farmers declarations through parcel registration systems
• Data derived from visual or automated interpretation of very high-resolution satellite imagery or in-situ photographs (e.g. streetview or mapillary)
• Existing high-quality classified maps based on analysis of satellite imagery 

Reference data is typically available in different formats depending on the source of the dataset. To ensure multiple reference datasets can be readily combined and can serve as input for a dedicated calibration/validation task, all datasets have been structured, harmonized, annotated and evaluated. The datasets adhere to the same (meta)data standards and formats.  See for more information the PDF document 'WorldCereal_Reference_dataset_naming_convention_v2'.

Each individual dataset has its own data license defined by the original data holder, which can be retrieved from the accompanying Excel metadata file. The license will be one of  the different licenses listed in this publication. The user must check the data license of each of these datasets before starting to use or redistribute the data. 

Individual datasets have been grouped per year and continent into a separate .zip archive. The title of individual datasets matches the Collection ID as specified in the WorldCereal Reference Data Module, our dedicated user interface for serving reference data to the community. 

A complete overview on WorldCereal reference data documentation can be found here. Information on WorldCereal reference data harmonization procedures, data standards and legend can be found here: and in the accompanying PDF document 'WorldCereal_Reference_dataset_naming_convention_v2' hosted in this repository. 

Version 1.1.0 contains updates and extra files, which can be identified by the string “20260105.”