3D map of the world: Every building on Earth mapped in 3D: New map shows 2.75 billion structures — including yours
GlobalBuildingAtlas Maps 2.75 Billion Buildings in 3D
The project allows users to search for their own address or explore any location on the planet using satellite-based 3D models. This scale is unprecedented, with the atlas containing more than a billion outbuildings compared to the largest previous global data set.
Created Using GlobalBuildingAtlas Satellite Imagery and Artificial Intelligence
GlobalBuildingAtlas was developed by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany, Daily Mail reports. To create it, the team analyzed nearly 800,000 satellite images taken in 2019. Where building data was missing, the AI system estimated heights and volumes by comparing them with nearby structures.
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Why Is 3D Building Data More Important Than 2D Maps?
“3D building information provides a much more accurate picture of urbanization and poverty than traditional 2D maps,” said lead author Professor Xiaoxiang Zhu. “With 3D models, we see not only the footprint but also the volume of each building, providing much more precise information on living conditions, as reported by the Daily Mail.”
3D Building Models in Cities Are Accurate
The level of detail becomes especially evident in cities. In London, 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 busy skyline, Edinburgh Zoo’s animal enclosures, Canary Wharf’s cluster of high-rise buildings, the O2 arena and the tiered walls of the Tower of London.
The models were accurate in urban areas and had a resolution 30 times better than similar databases, the researchers said. According to The Daily Mail report, the site has attracted more than 280,000 visitors, far more than expected, since it launched just a few days ago, occasionally slowing down the map due to heavy traffic. ALSO READ: BTC USD price prediction: Legendary trader Peter Brandt warns Bitcoin could fall 80% to $25,000 – here’s his reasoning
New Map Exceeds the Limits of Traditional Laser Scanning
Atlas serves a serious purpose beyond curiosity and discovery. Until now, creating detailed global building maps required expensive laser scanning satellites, making it difficult to cover the full global scope. Researchers were able to overcome this challenge by combining limited laser data with artificial intelligence predictions.
Asia Homes to Almost Half of the World’s Buildings
The data also offers new insights into how the world is built. There are approximately 1.22 billion buildings in Asia; This is almost half of the global total. Africa has around 540 million buildings, ahead of Europe’s 403 million. There are approximately 295 million buildings in North America, 264 million in South America, and only 14 million in Oceania.
Building Volume Per Capita Introduced as New Measure
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 indicates higher standards of living. According to this measure, countries such as Finland, Estonia, Sweden and Denmark rank at the top of Europe.
GlobalBuildingAtlas Can Help Planning and Disaster Preparedness
Going forward, the team hopes GlobalBuildingAtlas will help governments and planners decide where housing and public facilities are needed most, as well as support disaster preparedness by identifying areas that may be at greater risk, according to the report.
FAQ
Who created GlobalBuildingAtlas?
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich in Germany developed the project.
Can I find my own house on the map?
Yes, users can search for any address and view a 3D model of the area.
