To provide an open access, well documented global data set of roads between settlements using a consistent data model (UNSDI-T v.2) which is, to the extent possible, topologically integrated.

To provide a geographically explicit and reliable database of reservoirs for the scientific community.

To provide a geographically explicit and reliable database of dams for the scientific community.

To provide documentation on roads data sets that are potential candidates for inclusion in the Global Roads Open Access Data Set (gROADS), and which may be useful to others searching for data on road infrastructure.

To provide a database of public China maps, searchable by location, scale, content, publisher, and publication date.