This dataset metadata was generated with the use of AI and reviewed by an expert. If you see any mistakes please file an issue on GitHub at https://github.com/earthcube/communityCollections/issues.
The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) is a global, multi-temporal suite of geospatial datasets describing human settlements, built-up areas, and population distribution derived from Earth Observation and population data. GHSL products include gridded built-up surface, built-up volume, building height and settlement characteristics, population grids, and settlement typologies (e.g., Degree of Urbanisation / settlement model). Data are provided at multiple spatial resolutions and coordinate systems and span multiple epochs, including short-range projections for 1975–2030 for key products.
European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
Gridded built-up surface area (including total and non-residential components for some products).
Global Human Settlement Layer product coverage
Gridded built-up volume estimates (including total and non-residential components for some products).
Gridded building height estimates for selected reference years/products.
Residential population grid (number of people per cell) for multiple epochs and projections.
Settlement Typology and Degree of Urbanisation
Settlement model classification based on the UN-recommended Degree of Urbanisation methodology.
Direct download interface for GHSL products (tile-based and single-file downloads).
Interactive wizard to select GHSL product group, dataset, epoch, resolution, and coordinate system for download.
GHSL use conditions and citation guidance, including license and reference publication pointers.
European Commission JRC collection page aggregating GHSL datasets and releases.
Advances on the Global Human Settlement Layer by joint assessment of Earth Observation and population survey data