New Global Population Dataset Enhances Understanding of Daily Movement Patterns

Just now September 19, 2026 1 min read 📰 Phys.org

📋 Key Takeaway

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have launched LandScan Mosaic, a global population dataset that models daily human movement patterns based on building usage. This tool aims to enhance disaster response and infrastructure planning worldwide. Its implications could be significant for Iran in terms of improving humanitarian efforts and national security strategies.

Researchers at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have released LandScan Mosaic, a next-generation global population distribution dataset that estimates where people are by modeling how buildings are used and occupied throughout the day. Built on the foundation of ORNL's widely used LandScan Global, one of the world's most accurate population distribution datasets, Mosaic's enhancements will improve disaster response, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure planning and national security missions worldwide.