DATASETS
High Resolution Population Density Maps
Accurate population density data is critical for delivery of social services. Meta has built the world’s most accurate population maps using satellite imagery and census data.
Download on HDX
View mWater's Population Density Visualization
Key Features
High resolution
Working with the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), we use artificial intelligence to identify buildings from satellite imagery and estimate population at a 30 meter resolution.Demographic breakdowns
In addition to total population density, we release estimates for women, men, youth, children, women of reproductive age, and the elderly at a 30 meter resolution.Publicly available
These maps are publicly available for 160+ countries and territories around the world, and can be downloaded from Humanitarian Data Exchange or Amazon Web Services.
Methodology
Step 1: Model population growth with CIESIN
CIESEN records every census and uses that information to model population growth by country and at subnational levels.Step 2: Train algorithms to scan satellite imagery
Generally, where there are buildings and structures, there are people. We divide the satellite image of a census area into 30x30 meter tiles and train computer algorithms to scan the imagery.Step 3: Calculate building density of each tile
The algorithm scans the quantity and size of all buildings in each tile. This shows the building density of each tile and the total building density of the census area.Step 4: Distribute population across tiles with buildings
We then distribute the total population data over the building density to estimate the population in each tile, creating an actionable population density map.RESOURCES
Using High Resolution Population Density
These maps can be downloaded from the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Data hosted on HDX is ideal for desktop use in GIS software via downloadable single-country zip files. Data hosted in AWS Public Datasets is optimized for large-scale programmatic usage via Amazon S3 and Athena.
Download from the Humanitarian Data Exchange
Access Training Data & Code from GitHub