NAIROBI, Kenya- Google is taking a giant leap toward reshaping urban planning across Africa with the release of its Open Buildings 2.5D temporal dataset.
This latest expansion builds on the company’s 2021 initiative and aims to map, monitor, and manage urban development across the Global South.
But what does this mean for rapidly growing cities and regions dealing with disaster preparedness?
Urban populations are on the rise. By 2050, the world’s urban centers are projected to grow by 2.5 billion people, with nearly 90pc of this population boom happening in Africa and Asia.
As cities swell, governments, humanitarian organizations, and researchers need accurate data to plan for future growth. Google’s latest dataset, which not only maps buildings but also tracks changes over time and estimates building heights between 2016 and 2023.
This level of data granularity is crucial. It allows for smarter resource management in densely populated areas like Kumasi, Ghana, and provides key insights into areas that are more vulnerable to disasters, like Palu, Indonesia.
The ability to track urban development over time means city planners can anticipate infrastructure needs before problems arise—a critical advantage in regions where fast urbanization can quickly strain resources.
One of the most compelling uses of Google’s new dataset is its potential to transform disaster preparedness efforts.
By mapping more than 1.8 billion buildings worldwide, Google is equipping governments and organizations with tools to make informed decisions—whether it’s preparing for floods or understanding the impact of earthquakes.
Using AI, Google’s dataset enhances low-resolution satellite imagery, generating detailed maps of over 58 million square kilometers, which can be a game changer in regions where high-resolution images are hard to come by.
Humanitarian organizations, like Sunbird AI in Uganda and WorldPop in Nigeria, have already tapped into this data for vital services like electrification and immunization efforts.
Now, with the ability to analyze building height and density, the dataset can also assist in planning evacuation routes or even help strategize recovery efforts post-disaster.
Google’s AI Research Lab in Accra, Ghana, is where the magic happens. Since the inception of the Open Buildings project, the lab has been developing AI models that turn low-resolution satellite images into detailed, actionable maps.
These maps aren’t just for big cities either—they’re designed to include areas that have historically been overlooked or underserved by traditional mapping technologies.
The beauty of this dataset is that it makes crucial urban planning data available in places where it’s often lacking.
From flood risk management to smart city planning, this innovation ensures communities are better prepared to face the challenges that come with rapid urban growth.
