Nigeria: High Resolution Population Density Maps + Demographic Estimates

To create our high-resolution maps, we use machine learning techniques to identify buildings from commercially available satellite images. Then we work with our partners at Columbia University to overlay general population estimates based on publicly available census data and other population statistics. The resulting maps are the most detailed and actionable tools available for aid and research organizations. For more information about the methodology used to create our high resolution population density maps and the demographic distributions, please visit: https://dataforgood.fb.com/docs/methodology-high-resolution-population-density-maps-demographic-estimates/

For information about how to use HDX to access these datasets, please visit: https://dataforgood.fb.com/docs/high-resolution-population-density-maps-demographic-estimates-documentation/

Adjustments to match the census population with the UN estimates are applied at the national level. The UN estimate for a given country (or state/territory) is divided by the total census estimate of population for the given country. The resulting adjustment factor is multiplied by each administrative unit census value for the target year. This preserves the relative population totals across administrative units while matching the UN total. More information can be found here: https://dataforgood.fb.com/docs/census-information-for-high-resolution-population-density-maps/

Citation To reference this data, please use the following citation: Facebook and Center for International Earth Science Information Network - CIESIN - Columbia University. 2021. High Resolution Settlement Layer (HRSL). Source imagery for HRSL © 2021 Maxar. Accessed DAY MONTH YEAR.

Acknowledgements

CIESIN contributions to the development of this work were supported by funding provided by Facebook. Population estimates are based on data from the Gridded Population of the World data collection. Imagery used to identify settlements is from the Maxar Basemap +Vivid.

Data for the surface model relies on digital surface model produced with the data from the Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) on board the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS); additional house locations come from OpenStreetMap Please note that as of 2024, Meta’s high resolution population density maps are no longer being updated.