Ever wondered how we know where people live, how cities grow, or how populations change over time? Next week, the WorldPop team is bringing the science of population mapping to the British Science Festival with a series of interactive exhibits that reveal the stories hidden within data.
As part of Mapping the Human Story, you’ll be able to get up close with some enormous maps that visualise WorldPop’s global population estimations. Dive into interactive digital maps and discover high-resolution population estimates for every country on the planet, from dense urban centres to remote rural communities.
But how are these maps made?
Learn how researchers transform national census counts into detailed population estimates, creating high-resolution datasets that help governments and international humanitarian organisations make better decisions about healthcare, disaster response, development and more.
You’ll also have the chance to explore the world’s changing demographics through WorldPop’s AI-powered demographic data portal. Find out how age and sex patterns differ between countries, uncover surprising trends, and pose your own questions directly to our AI demographic assistant. Want to know which parts of the UK have the youngest populations? Or, how ageing populations are changing societies? Ask away!
Feeling creative?
Help us build a collaborative population map using origami cubes and explore how population distribution changes throughout the day as people move between homes, workplaces, education and leisure activities. Together, you’ll create a unique visual representation of Southampton’s dynamic population.
Whether you’re into maps, data science, geography, AI, global development, or simply love discovering how the world works, our team of experts is excited to share the stories of the people behind the numbers. You might never look at a map the same way again!
Learn more
- Mapping the human story (British Science Festival)
- WorldPop Open Data
- WorldPop Free Learning Resources
