At a side event of the UN Statistical Commission 52nd session, core partners and pilot countries of the Data for Now Initiative presented progress to date and future plans, and a panel discussion on improving SDGs data.

Abstract: The 2020 edition of the Atlas of the Human Planet presents policy-relevant examples provided by users of Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) products. Following a call for contribution, 34 showcases cover the domains of disaster risk reduction and crisis management, environment, urbanisation, and sustainable development.

Citation: Chen, R., Yan, H., Liu, F., Du, W., & Yang, Y. (2020). "Multiple Global Population Datasets: Differences and Spatial Distribution Characteristics." ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information 9(11): 637, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi9110637

Two recent papers evaluate the accuracy of global gridded population data products against reference data sets. The first paper, published in Population and Environment, conducts a pixel level evaluation of population counts across space (different levels of urbanization) and time.

This article published in Nature cites POPGRID for a comparative overview of inputs and methodology of different gridded population datasets.

Citation: Falchetta, G., Pachauri, S., Parkinson, S. et al. A high-resolution gridded dataset to assess electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. Sci Data 6, 110 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0122-6

Nature Abstract:

As communities around the world grapple with the devastating effects of COVID-19, the importance of timely, disaggregated, and accurate data has never been clearer. It is vital that we understand where populations are located, the available infrastructure, and their access to critical services to ensure that everyone can understand their risk and take appropriate action. From new platforms, analysis, and available datasets, read more on how participants in the POPGRID Data Collaborative are helping to fight this pandemic.