Development of new open and free multi-temporal global population grids at 250 m resolution

Global population grids are increasingly used and required for countless applications in analysis, modeling, and policy-making. However, better and comparable global information requires improved geospatial data on population distribution and densities, in particular concerning temporal and spatial resolution and capacity for change assessment. This paper presents the development of improved global multi-temporal population grids, by combining best-available population estimates for 1975, 1990, 2000 and 2014, with best-available assessment of the spatial extents of human settlements as inferred from Landsat satellite data for same periods. Using a dasymetric mapping approach, population is disaggregated from finest census or administrative units to built-up areas. These 250-m grids represent population changes in time, having also higher spatial resolution than those previously available. The novel population grids constitute currently the de facto state-of-the-art in terms of open global geospatial population data, potentially enabling advances in many of the fields where this information is relevant.

CARNEIRO FREIRE Sergio Manuel;  MACMANUS Kytt;  PESARESI Martino;  DOXSEY-WHITFIELD Erin;  MILLS Jane; 

Carneiro Freire S; Macmanus K; Pesaresi M; Doxsey-Whitfield E; Mills J. Development of new open and free multi-temporal global population grids at 250 m resolution . Geospatial Data in a Changing World; Association of Geographic Information Laboratories in Europe (AGILE) (Organiser). AGILE; 2016. JRC100523

2016-12-14

AGILE

JRC100523

978-90-816960-6-7,