This dataset contains the Global Degree of Urbanisation Classification of administrative units delineated by the Global ADMinistrative layer version 4.1 (GADM41) according to the application of stage II of the Degree of Urbanisation. The classification is based on the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) global datasets GHS R2023: the settlement classification GHS-SMOD (GHS-SMOD_GLOBE_R2023A) and population grid GHS-POP (GHS-POP_GLOBE_R2023A) layers for target years 1975-2030 (5 years timestep).
This dataset contains a package composed by one excel table, a summary table gathering global summary statistics and by countries and territories in GADM4.1, and 72 CSV files, one per GADM level (from 0 to 5) and epoch (1975-2030), with all administrative units classified according to the Degree of Urbanisation. The spatial delineation of GADM 4.1 administrative units is available at GADM official website (accessible through the link below). Please select the whole world shapefile as six separate layers (one for each level of subdivision/aggregation). The vector layers can be used to join each classification table (csv) with the actual spatial units.
Schiavina, Marcello; Melchiorri, Michele; Freire, Sergio (2026): GHS-DUC R2023A - GHS Degree of Urbanisation Classification, application of the Degree of Urbanisation methodology (stage II) to GADM 4.1 layer, multitemporal (1975-2030). European Commission, Joint Research Centre [Dataset] doi: 10.2905/JRC.WV34Q6R; 10.2905/DC0EB21D-472C-4F5A-8846-823C50836305 PID: http://data.europa.eu/89h/dc0eb21d-472c-4f5a-8846-823c50836305
Big DataDegree of UrbanisationDEGURBAGADM 4.1GHS DUCGHS SMODGHS-DUCGHS-SMODGHSLGlobal
Project Web site
Original GADM4.1 shapefile dataset Download the six separate layers (one for each level of subdivision/aggregation) to join the GHS-DUC tables with spatial units
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The Degree of Urbanisation is a new definition of cities, towns and semi-dense areas, and rural areas endorsed by the UN Statistical Commission. The urban population share according to the Degree of Urbanisation is similar to the one based on national definitions in the Americas,Europe and Oceania, but considerably higher in Africa and Asia. An empirical analysis and a comparison of concepts suggest that towns are likely to be classified as rural areas in Africa and Asia and as urban areas in other parts of the world. The paper shows that cities cover only a small share of land, but this share doubled over the past forty years, as has the number of cities.
Although cities have expanded rapidly, their population grew even faster leading to higher densities. The paper tests two classic urban facts: 1) the cities and towns as defined by the Degree of Urbanisation closely follow Zipf’s law 2) the population shares in urban areas, cities and especially metropolitan areas are positively and significantly correlated with the level of economic development. Lastly, the sensitivity of the classification of population and land are tested by varying the population size and density thresholds as well using a different global population grid.
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The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) produces new global spatial information, evidence-based analytics and knowledge describing the human presence on planet Earth. It operates in a fully open and free data and methods access policy. The knowledge generated with the GHSL is supporting the definition, the public discussion and the implementation of European policies and the monitoring of international frameworks such as the 2030 Development Agenda. The GHSL are the core data set of the Exposure Mapping Component under the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. GHSL data continue to support the GEO Human Planet Initiative (HPI) that is committed to developing a new generation of measurements and information products providing new scientific evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the human presence on the planet and that can support global policy processes with agreed, actionable and goal-driven metrics. The Human Planet Initiative relies on a core set of partners committed in coordinating the production of the global settlement spatial baseline data.
This document describes the public release of the GHSL Data Package 2023 (GHS P2023). The release provides improved built-up (including surface, volume and height) and population products as well as a new settlement model and classification of administrative and territorial units according to the Degree of Urbanisation.
| From date | To date |
|---|---|
| 1975-01-01 | 2030-12-31 |
