The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) – New Tools and Geodatasets for Improving Disaster Risk Assessment and Crisis Management

In the context of disaster risk management, there is a need for detailed, updated and consistent data on the exposure of people and their settlements. Drawing from the latest generation of satellite imagery, a new approach allows to automatically produce, in an effective way, detailed geodatasets quantifying built-up areas and population distribution. This approach is multi-sensor, multi-scale, multi-use, and focuses on automatic retrieval of quantitative information from the imagery. In parallel with large-scale image processing, global reference datasets were developed which improve the representation of smaller settlements and low-density areas, compared to previously-available maps. These outputs are useful at any stage of the disaster management cycle, by improving the spatial assessment of exposure to hazards and thus contributing to advancing global risk and impact analyses. Coupled with sound decision-making, this ultimately contributes to disaster mitigation efforts.JRC.G.2-Global security and crisis managemen