As we set fresh goals for the new year – whether to learn something new, develop new skills, or make a bigger impact in our work or studies – WorldPop’s learning resources offer a rich and accessible way to grow your understanding of population data and geospatial analysis for global good. These free, expert-created materials are designed for learners at all levels and made available to anyone curious about how population science can help the world.
At the heart of WorldPop’s educational suite is the WorldPop Book of Methods – an online guide that walks you through how population distribution maps are built by combining satellite imagery, census information, surveys and machine learning. This resource demystifies the science behind the data, helping you see the “why” and “how” behind the numbers.
If you’re interested in learning practical skills, the Online Learning Portal offers structured training in geospatial tools like QGIS and spatial data management. Courses are self-paced, include certification and community support, and take you from foundational concepts to real-world applications used in development planning and health micro-planning.
For those keen to delve deeper into the technical side, the Population Modelling Training Manual provides a step-by-step guide to the statistical and programming techniques used to generate small-area population estimates. It begins with basics – like R programming – and builds toward advanced modelling methods, giving learners a roadmap from novice to confident user.
There are also hands-on tutorials and tools, such as a QGIS plugin guide for population prediction and dasymetric mapping, which help you practice what you learn with real geospatial workflows.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, government planner, or simply someone passionate about understanding the world’s people and places, WorldPop’s resources empower you to learn at your own pace. This year, consider a resolution that expands not just your knowledge, but your ability to contribute to a more informed, equitable world. Explore these learning tools and see where your curiosity takes you!
