GGMN: Global Groundwater Monitoring Network

The Global Groundwater Monitoring Network (GGMN) is a participative, web-based network of networks, set up to improve quality and accessibility of groundwater monitoring information and subsequently our knowledge on the state of groundwater resources. GGMN is a UNESCO programme, implemented by IGRAC and supported by many global and regional partners. 

Since 2021, GGMN is embedded under the Global Groundwater Information System (GGIS) as a map viewer.

The GGMN Programme consists of two components: 

• The GGMN Tools: Portal and Mobile App 
• The GGMN People Network

The GGMN Tools

The GGMN portal gives insights on the availability of groundwater monitoring data through space and time. Groundwater level data and changes occurring in groundwater levels can be displayed on a regional scale. Additional data layers and information are available to understand the monitoring data in a broader water-related context.

Your GGMN Portal

Member states which are interested in making use of the GGMN are provided with a password protected environment within the portal. This allows users to upload groundwater data using the following options:

1. Representative groundwater point measurements can be uploaded to the protected environment, one by one or as a batch upload.
2. Alternatively, measurements can be transferred from a national system via web services. 
3. Data can be displayed showing the mean, minimum, maximum and median change in groundwater level for a selected time period.  
4. A dedicated database is available to complement groundwater monitoring data with relevant metadata, such as drilling and construction, hydrogeology and management data.

You can use the GGMN Portal as an user from your own organisation, multiple organisations in one country, multiple organisations sharing an aquifer, or it can be used within projects which aim to collect groundwater data on a regional scale from various sources.

You can register in the GGMN Portal through the “Register” button in the upper right corner. You can use this same username and password to log in in the Global Groundwater Information System (GGIS).

GGMN Mobile App

IGRAC has recently relaunched the GGMN - Groundwater Monitoring app. This app enables users to georeference and register groundwater monitoring stations and groundwater level monitoring data in GGMN. The app is now available for Android devices and can be downloaded here.

The GGMN People Network

The GGMN relies on the participation of groundwater specialists with knowledge of regional hydrogeology. Regional (spatial) interpolation of groundwater point measurements is much more than a numerical interpolation and averaging process. It needs to be carried out by regional experts with a clear understanding of local hydrogeological conditions, existing monitoring practices, historic developments, socio-economic changes and other relevant factors. Therefore, establishing a network of regional groundwater specialists is the key task of the GGMN. 

Regional Workshops

Regional workshops are organised to strengthen and expand the GGMN People Network. The workshops are intended for regional groundwater specialists to become familiar with the GGMN Programme and the functionalities of the GGMN Portal. For countries without an online groundwater database, the GGMN Portal can be fully employed. The workshop participants have the opportunity to discuss the programme with their peers from neighbouring states with whom they may be sharing groundwater resources. After the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to acquire an active role in the GGMN People Network and to continue using the GGMN interactive portal.

Data policy

The GGMN operates according to principles of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO with the aim of encouraging the widespread use of hydrological data for national, regional and global studies. Members and other data providers are encouraged to contribute to improve quality and accessibility of groundwater monitoring information, by contributing to the GGMN quality controlled, hydrological data, together with meta-information on the monitoring stations. Nevertheless, data providers can always determine the level of data accessibility by third parties: open, limited or restricted access.