Planet, IHME and Microsoft launch Populace, a 40-metre global population map

Planet has launched Populace, a continuously updated map of the world's population built with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and Microsoft's AI for Good Lab. Planet announced the map on 12 October.

Populace combines satellite imagery, machine learning models and outside data to give population density on a 40-metre grid around the entire world. It is updated quarterly. Planet called it the most up-to-date, highest resolution and most accurate population data.

The collaboration began in 2024. Machine learning models from the AI for Good Lab analyse Planet's satellite imagery basemaps to detect human structures. IHME then compares that data against census, survey and administrative data to produce population estimates.

The project aimed to fill gaps where census information is out of date or unavailable in areas where populations are growing quickly. Planet said the data can be used for planning in public health and civil infrastructure, as well as for humanitarian responses and emergency warning.

Sourcesatellitetoday.com