Population distribution mapping: the AfriPop dataset

Data from Conflict-Affected Regions: Filling-in the BlanksBrussels, 9-10 June 2011

Catherine Linard

AfriPop aims

Produce a population distribution dataset:• Spatially-detailed (100 m resolution)• For the whole of Africa• Easily updatable• Freely available: www.afripop.org

Broader objectives:• Support cartographic-style derivations of population

health metrics Population at risk of malaria estimations

Methods1. Assemble a database of detailed, contemporary

census data

Year of population data Spatial resolution of census units

2. Fine scale, accurate mapping of settlement extents

Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM)

Tatem et al (2004/5) Rem Sens Env

Methods

3. Population redistribution according to land cover

Population count per admin unit

Land cover

Population map

Tatem et al (2007) PLoS ONE, Linard et al (2010) GeoJournal / Int J Health Geog

AfriPop 2010

AfriPop GRUMP LandScan

How such population distribution maps can be used in emergency situations?

Provide spatially-detailed pre-emergency demographic data

Provide the essential denominator for population health metrics (beyond admin. unit level)

Allow spatially-detailed estimations of populations at risk

Can be used to organise intervention coverage/relief

Age/gender structure will be mapped soon

Questions

• How do we fill the spatial and temporal data gaps?

• How do we keep up with demographic changes?• What spatial scales are important? How do we

match that of the health data?• Can we incorporate human movements?• How can we quantify uncertainty?

www.afripop.org