Rapid population maps for crisis response

Population numbers are crucial information in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Questions like how many people are affected, how many survived and how many would need prolonged assistance are key issues for crisis response and reconstruction. However, information and accurate figures on where people live and population characteristics are not always available, especially in developing countries. A methodology was developed to rapidly estimate population distribution and density in disaster affected areas. It is based on earth observation satellite imagery with high resolution and the classification of the built-up areas therein conducting a textural analysis. In a second step latest available census data is taken and interpolated on the built-up classes applying binary dasymetric mapping. Result is a population density estimation per built-up area presenting a better picture than known from global datasets like the Gridded Population of the World or Landscan¿.

ZEUG Gunter;  KRANZ Olaf;  ECKERT Sandra; 

2010-02-15

Masaryk University

JRC52574

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC52574,