GlobalBuildingAtlas Maps 2.75 Billion Buildings in 3D
The project allows users to search for their own address or explore anywhere on the planet using satellite-based 3D models. The scale is unprecedented, with the atlas containing more than a billion additional buildings compared with the largest previous global dataset.
GlobalBuildingAtlas Created Using Satellite Images and AI
The GlobalBuildingAtlas was developed by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany, as per The Daily Mail report. To create it, the team analyzed nearly 800,000 satellite images captured in 2019. Where building data was missing, an artificial intelligence system estimated heights and volumes by comparing them with nearby structures.
Why 3D Building Data Matters More Than 2D Maps
Lead author Professor Xiaoxiang Zhu said that, “3D building information provides a much more accurate picture of urbanization and poverty than traditional 2D maps,” adding that, “With 3D models, we see not only the footprint but also the volume of each building, enabling far more precise insights into living conditions,” as quoted by Daily Mail.
3D Building Models Are Precise in Cities
The level of detail becomes especially clear in cities. In London, the satellite data captures the outlines of bridges and boats on the Thames. The map also reveals landmarks such as Beijing’s Forbidden City, New York’s dense skyline, the animal enclosures inside Edinburgh Zoo, Canary Wharf’s high-rise cluster, the O2 arena, and the layered walls of the Tower of London.
Researchers said that the models are precise in urban areas, with a resolution up to 30 times finer than similar databases. Since the site launched just days ago, it has already drawn more than 280,000 visitors, far more than expected, occasionally slowing down the map due to heavy traffic, as per The Daily Mail report.ALSO READ: BTC USD price prediction: Bitcoin could crash 80% to $25,000, warns legendary trader Peter Brandt — here’s his reasoning
New Map Overcomes Limits of Traditional Laser Scanning
Beyond curiosity and exploration, the atlas serves a serious purpose. Until now, creating detailed global building maps required expensive laser-scanning satellites, making full global coverage difficult. By combining limited laser data with AI predictions, the researchers were able to overcome that challenge.
Asia Holds Nearly Half of the World’s Buildings
The data also offers new insights into how the world is built. Asia accounts for around 1.22 billion buildings, nearly half of the global total. Africa follows with roughly 540 million buildings, ahead of Europe’s 403 million. North America has about 295 million buildings, South America 264 million, and Oceania just 14 million.
Building Volume Per Capita Introduced as New Metric
Using this information, the researchers introduced a new indicator called building volume per capita, based on the idea that more building space per person generally signals higher living standards. By this measure, countries such as Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and Denmark rank among the highest in Europe.
GlobalBuildingAtlas Could Aid Planning and Disaster Preparedness
Looking ahead, the team hopes the GlobalBuildingAtlas will help governments and planners decide where housing and public facilities are most needed, while also supporting disaster preparedness by identifying areas that may be at greater risk, as per the report.
FAQs
Who created the GlobalBuildingAtlas?
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich in Germany developed the project.
Can I find my own home on the map?
Yes, users can search for any address and view a 3D model of the area.