Watershed

Watershed is an educational sandbox that uses real terrain data to explore how water shapes landscapes. Choose an area anywhere on Earth, select a storm or adjust its parameters, and observe water filling valleys, forming lakes and flowing toward the sea.

Explore changing sea levels and an atlas spanning 3000 BC to today, with historical cities, peoples, empires and roads. The simulation uses public data with sources shown and is intended as a teaching instrument, not an engineering model. An internet connection is required for map and terrain data.

Gameplay and features

• Explore storms and terrain: Choose from six storm presets or set the weather parameters yourself, then watch rain collect in valleys and drain as conditions change.
• Adjust sea levels: Raise or lower sea level from 500 metres below today to 80 metres above, using real bathymetry to reveal changing coastlines.
• Travel through history: Browse an atlas from 3000 BC to today, where cities, peoples, empires and roads change over time; entries cite their sources.
• Plan a caravan journey: Set two flags and up to eight stops. A camel or ox caravan navigates around water, crosses rivers, visits wells and cities, and reports daily on animal survival.
• Share classroom scenarios: Share links that reproduce a scenario’s location, storm, historical period and route. The game also includes two 40-minute lesson plans with worksheets.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Watershed?

It is an educational sandbox for exploring real terrain, weather, water flow, sea levels and historical landscapes.

Can I choose my own location and weather?

Yes. You can draw an area anywhere on Earth, choose from six storm presets or set the weather parameters yourself.

Does Watershed require an internet connection?

Yes. An internet connection is required to access map and terrain data.

Is Watershed an engineering model?

No. It is described as a teaching instrument, not an engineering model.