Abstract. Population data represent an essential component in
studies focusing on human–nature interrelationships, disaster risk
assessment and environmental health. Several recent efforts have produced
global- and continental-extent gridded population data which are becoming
increasingly popular among various research communities. However, these data
products, which are of very different characteristics and based on different
modeling assumptions, have never been systematically reviewed and compared,
which may impede their appropriate use. This article fills this gap and
presents, compares and discusses a set of large-scale (global and
continental) gridded datasets representing population counts or densities.
It focuses on data properties, methodological approaches and relative
quality aspects that are important to fully understand the characteristics
of the data with regard to the intended uses. Written by the data producers
and members of the user community, through the lens of the “fitness for
use” concept, the aim of this paper is to provide potential data users with
the knowledge base needed to make informed decisions about the
appropriateness of the data products available in relation to the target
application and for critical analysis.
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