Population Data

Population Data

LandScan 2021 data is used to identify the location of population. This data was obtained from the Department of Homeland Security, HSIP Data Program.  LandScan depicts an estimate of population count on a 90-meter cell basis. LandScan data is developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the DHS.  The methods used to create LandScan data uses spatial data and imagery analysis technologies and a multi-variable dasymetric modeling approach to disaggregate census counts within an administrative boundary. Since no single population distribution model can account for the differences in spatial data availability, quality, scale, and accuracy as well as the differences in cultural settlement practices, LandScan population distribution models are tailored to match the data conditions and geographical nature of each individual country and region. A key component of the LandScan model is the integration of nighttime imagery to determine where people are living.  LandScan is the preferred choice for population data and given its spatial resolution is ideal for defining where people live, especially in wildland and rural areas.

In particular, the resolution and accuracy of the LandScan data provides a better definition of the location of rural and wildland communities and residential population compared to traditional Census data that has a coarser spatial resolution (especially in rural areas).  For this reason, LandScan has been the dataset of choice for identifying population in wildfire risk assessments, including those conducted by CAL FIRE FRAP.

It is important to note that DHS HSIP policies restrict the sharing or publishing of this original dataset. Accordingly, while LandScan remains a key component of identifying population for risk analysis within FireRisk /FireSim, the original source LandScan data cannot be shared, and cannot be shown in the FireRisk /FireSim applications.  Agencies and customers must acquire this data directly from DHS if they choose to use it for other purposes.