SMRTR Science & EngineeringDec 2, 2025Interesting Engineering

First high-resolution 3D map covering all of Earth’s 2.75 billion buildings unveiled

SMRTR summary

German scientists at the Technical University of Munich have created the world's first comprehensive 3D map containing 2.75 billion buildings, achieving 30 times finer detail than previous global datasets. The GlobalBuildingAtlas uses 2019 satellite imagery to model each structure at 9.8-by-9.8 feet resolution, providing crucial coverage of previously unmapped regions in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. This breakthrough enables more accurate climate research, disaster management, and urban planning while supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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