Unprecedented 3D Atlas Captures Every Habitable Structure Worldwide
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have achieved what many thought impossible: creating the first comprehensive 3D map of every building on Earth. The GlobalBuildingAtlas, released in December 2025, contains detailed models of approximately 2.75 billion structures, representing an estimated 97% of all habitable buildings worldwide. This groundbreaking project offers unprecedented insights into global urbanization patterns and provides a powerful new tool for urban planning, climate research, and social equity analysis.
Technical Breakthrough with Real-World Applications
The atlas was compiled using satellite imagery from 2019, processed through sophisticated machine learning algorithms trained on LiDAR data from 168 cities worldwide. With a resolution of 3×3 meters (approximately 9.8×9.8 feet), the map offers 30 times more detail than previous building databases. '3D building information provides a much more accurate picture of urbanization and poverty than traditional 2D maps,' explains research lead Xiaoxiang Zhu from the Technical University of Munich. 'With 3D models, we see not only the footprint but also the volume of each building, enabling far more precise insights into living conditions.'
What makes this dataset particularly valuable is its comprehensive coverage of previously underrepresented regions. Unlike earlier mapping efforts that focused primarily on developed nations, GlobalBuildingAtlas includes detailed information from Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia—areas often overlooked in global urban studies. The project's open-access format means researchers, planners, and policymakers worldwide can now access this wealth of information for free.
Building Volume Per Capita: A New Social Metric
One of the most innovative aspects of the GlobalBuildingAtlas is its introduction of 'building volume per capita' as a new global indicator. This metric calculates the total building mass in an area relative to its population, revealing stark social and economic disparities that traditional measures often miss. 'This indicator supports sustainable urban development and helps cities become more inclusive and resilient,' adds Zhu. The data shows that while Asia accounts for nearly half of all mapped buildings (1.22 billion structures), Africa's 540 million buildings represent significantly less total volume, indicating a prevalence of smaller, low-rise structures.
The implications of this metric are profound for understanding inequality. In dense urban centers with high-rise buildings, residents may have less physical space per person despite living in impressive structures, while sprawling suburban areas might offer more volume per capita. This nuanced understanding of living conditions could revolutionize how we approach housing policy, urban design, and social welfare programs.
Practical Applications Across Multiple Fields
The GlobalBuildingAtlas has immediate applications in several critical areas:
Climate Change and Energy Planning
Buildings account for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, making accurate 3D models essential for climate modeling and energy demand forecasting. The detailed volume data allows researchers to calculate heating and cooling requirements more precisely, identify energy efficiency opportunities, and model urban heat island effects with unprecedented accuracy.
Disaster Risk Assessment
Emergency planners can use the 3D models to simulate flood scenarios, earthquake impacts, and fire spread patterns. The building volume data helps estimate potential damage and plan evacuation routes more effectively, potentially saving lives during natural disasters.
Urban Infrastructure Development
City planners now have access to detailed information about building density, height distribution, and spatial organization. This enables more efficient transportation planning, utility network design, and public space allocation. The data also supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Technical Specifications and Limitations
The atlas classifies 97% of its 3D structures as Level of Detail 1 (LoD 1), meaning they accurately represent the rough shape and height of buildings. While higher LoD classifications exist for more detailed architectural features, LoD 1 provides sufficient accuracy for most modeling applications. The dataset does have some limitations—particularly in accurately capturing very tall skyscrapers and complex architectural forms—but represents a quantum leap forward from previous global building databases.
The research team used a combination of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, machine learning algorithms, and validation data from multiple sources to create the atlas. Their methodology, detailed in the journal Earth System Science Data, represents a significant advancement in remote sensing and geospatial analysis.
Future Developments and Global Impact
While the current atlas uses 2019 data, its open-source nature means it can be continuously updated as new satellite imagery becomes available. The Technical University of Munich team plans to incorporate more recent data and improve the model's accuracy for complex building types. 'With 3D models, we see not only the footprint but also the volume of each building, enabling far more precise insights into living conditions,' Zhu reiterates, emphasizing the project's ongoing potential.
The GlobalBuildingAtlas represents more than just a technical achievement—it's a tool for creating more equitable, sustainable, and resilient cities worldwide. As urbanization continues to accelerate, with more than two-thirds of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050, this comprehensive 3D mapping resource provides the detailed information needed to guide that growth responsibly.
For researchers, the dataset opens new avenues for studying everything from economic development patterns to environmental impacts. For policymakers, it offers evidence-based insights for creating more effective urban policies. And for the general public, it provides a fascinating window into the built environment that surrounds us all.