Population Disaggregation
Definition
Population disaggregation involves breaking down aggregate population data into finer spatial units to estimate the number of people living in specific areas, such as individual buildings. This process is essential for understanding population distribution at a granular level, facilitating more accurate planning and resource allocation.
What is Population Disaggregation?
Population disaggregation is the method of allocating population data from larger geographic entities, typically census blocks, to smaller, more detailed units like individual buildings. This process utilizes ancillary data sources, such as land use, building footprints, and possibly remote sensing information, to distribute population data more precisely. By doing so, spatial inaccuracies inherent in census data are mitigated, enabling more effective decision-making in urban planning, disaster management, public health, and infrastructure development.
The application of population disaggregation typically involves the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools with statistical analysis methods. By leveraging detailed spatial data and demographic information, it is possible to create a high-resolution picture of population distribution. This becomes particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas where population patterns are not uniform.
