Download Population Density Data

Ayoub Daouairi

25 Feb, 2025

How to Download Population Density Data Using GHSL - Global Human Settlement Layer

The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) is an open-source project developed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) to provide high-resolution geospatial data related to human settlements, including population density. This dataset is widely used in GIS applications, urban planning, disaster management, and socio-economic studies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Population Density Data from GHSL

Step 1: Access the GHSL Website

To begin, navigate to the official GHSL data portal: GHSL Data Download

How To Download

Step 2: Select the Population Density Dataset

On the download page, you will find different GHSL products. The population density dataset is listed under GHSL - P2023 (or the latest version available), specifically:

GHS-POP – This dataset provides population distribution at a high spatial resolution.
GHS-SMOD – A settlement model that can be useful for urban-rural classification.

Click on the GHS-POP dataset link to proceed.

Step 3: Choose the Data Version and Year

GHSL offers population data for different reference years, such as 1975, 1990, 2000, 2015, and 2020. Select the year that fits your analysis needs.

Step 4: Select Data Format and Resolution

The GHSL population data is available in:

Raster Format (GeoTIFF) – If you are working with raster-based GIS applications.
Vector Format (Shapefile/GeoJSON) – If you need population data in a vector format.

Choose the desired resolution (100m, 250m, or 1km per pixel) depending on the scale of your study.

Step 5: Download the Data

Once you have selected the appropriate dataset, click the download link. The data will be in a compressed format (ZIP file). Extract the files to access the population density data.

Step 6: Load the Data into a GIS Software

You can use GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or Google Earth Engine to visualize and analyze the downloaded population density data:

In QGIS, go to Layer > Add Raster Layer (for GeoTIFF) or Add Vector Layer (for shapefiles).
In ArcGIS, use Add Data to import the dataset.

Conclusion

Downloading population density data from GHSL is a simple and effective way to access high-resolution demographic information for various applications. By following the steps above, you can easily integrate GHSL data into your GIS projects.

For more details, visit the official GHSL website: https://ghsl.jrc.ec.europa.eu