BetaBetaDataset
To provide geospatial social distancing index layers that identify variations in the ease of maintaining social distancing in urban areas, supporting public health planning, infectious disease surveillance, and epidemic response.
The GRID3 Social Distancing Layers (Index), Version 1.0 is a collection of country-specific geospatial datasets developed under the GRID3 project to assess the feasibility of social distancing in urban environments. The datasets were developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when maintaining physical distance became an important public health measure for reducing disease transmission. The collection provides a composite social distancing index for urban areas by combining information on population density and the space available around buildings, allowing users to identify locations where maintaining physical distance is relatively easy or difficult.
The collection includes country-specific social distancing index layers for urban areas, urban point layers showing the names and locations of urban centres, and urban extent polygons defining the boundaries of urban settlements. The primary dataset consists of index values calculated for small spatial units, typically bounded by roads, rivers, or other geographic features. Index values range from 1 to 10, where 1 indicates relatively low population density and ample space around buildings, making social distancing easier, while 10 indicates very high population density and limited space around buildings, making social distancing more difficult.
The social distancing index was developed as a composite measure based on two variables: estimated population density and the amount of space available around buildings. Population density was derived from high-resolution gridded population datasets produced by WorldPop, while building space was calculated using building footprint polygons derived from satellite imagery provided by Ecopia.AI and Maxar Technologies (2020). Index values were calculated for small urban spatial units to highlight geographic variations in the ease of maintaining physical distancing.