Our research team has released the GlobalBuildingAtlas, the first-ever high-resolution 3D map of all 2.75 billion buildings worldwide. Developed under an ERC Starting Grant, this dataset represents a milestone for global Earth observation, sustainability studies, and geospatial AI.

The GlobalBuildingAtlas provides 3D building models at 3×3 m resolution, including 2.68 billion LoD1 representations capturing building shape and height. For the first time, comprehensive 3D building information is available globally – including regions previously underrepresented in global datasets, such as Africa, South America, and rural areas.

These data form a new basis for climate research, energy modeling, sustainable urban development, infrastructure planning, and disaster management. The dataset also introduces a novel global indicator, building volume per capita, offering new insights into socio-economic inequalities and urban resilience.

The work is already receiving strong international interest; for example, DLR is exploring its use through the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters.

👉 Read the full TUM press release:
https://www.tum.de/en/news-and-events/all-news/press-releases/details/all-the-worlds-buildings-available-as-3d-models-for-the-first-time