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Population Data Access and Tools
NASA has population datasets that help researchers characterize people, places, and the lives they live there. Access a range of data and data tools such as SEDAC's Population Estimation Service to make the most of population data.
Population Datasets
| Dataset | Platforms | Instruments | Temporal Extent | Location Keywords | Data Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 1), 1990 | MODELS | Computer | 1990-04-01 | ALABAMA, ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA | ASCII, GeoTIFF |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 1), 1990: Metropolitan Statistical Areas | MODELS | Computer | 1990-04-01 | WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AKRON, BOSTON | ASCII, GeoTIFF |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 1), 2000 | MODELS | Computer | 2000-04-01 | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ALABAMA, ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS | ASCII, GeoTIFF, PDF, PNG, WMS |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 1), 2000: Metropolitan Statistical Areas | MODELS | Computer | 2000-04-01 | AKRON, ANN ARBOR, ATLANTA, ATLANTIC CITY, AUSTIN | ASCII, GeoTIFF, PDF, PNG, WMS |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 1), 2010 | MODELS | Computer | 2010-01-01 to 2010-12-31 | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ALABAMA, ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS | ASCII, GeoTIFF, PDF, PNG, WMS, Shapefile |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 3), 1990 | MODELS | Computer | 1990-04-01 | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ALABAMA, ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS | ASCII, GeoTIFF |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 3), 1990: Metropolitan Statistical Areas | MODELS | Computer | 1990-04-01 | AKRON, ANN ARBOR, ATLANTA, BALTIMORE, BEAVER VALLEY | ASCII, GeoTIFF |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 3), 2000 | MODELS | Computer | 2000-04-01 | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ALABAMA, ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS | ASCII, GeoTIFF, PDF, PNG, WMS |
| U.S. Census Grids (Summary File 3), 2000: Metropolitan Statistical Areas | MODELS | Computer | 2000-04-01 | NORTH AMERICA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA | ASCII, GeoTIFF, PDF, PNG, WMS |
| U.S. Population Grids (Summary File 1), 2000: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, Alpha Version | MODELS | Computer | 2000-04-01 | ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, TEXAS | Grid |
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Featured Population Observation Method: VIIRS
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is aboard the joint NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) and NOAA-platforms. VIIRS collects visible and infrared imagery along with global observations of Earth's land, atmosphere, cryosphere, and ocean. The instrument can detect light from human settlements to measure the size and growth of those areas as well as changes to the regions as a result of power loss from storms, conflicts, and other events.
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will help ensure continuity of Earth observations after the upcoming retirement of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS).
Nighttime imagery shows the earth’s surface and atmosphere using a sensor designed to capture low-light emission sources under varying illumination conditions.
Looking to learn more about Suomi NPP VIIRS global land data products available from NASA? Join us for an overview of the data products and live demos on how to access and work with the data using a variety of tools from the Land Processes DAAC.
Image captured on 29 December 2019, by the VIIRS instrument, aboard the joint NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite.
Population Data Tools
| Tool Sort descending | Description | Services | |
|---|---|---|---|
| POPGRID Viewer | POPGRID Viewer explores the intercomparison of population counts and settlement mapping from leading global data sources. | Comparison |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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