GeoJSON (line-delimited) / Parquet
Microsoft Building Footprints
1.4 billion building footprints derived from Bing Maps imagery (2014–2024) across 225 regions — released under CDLA Permissive 2.0.
Urban planning Population estimation
Urban & buildings
Urban & Building Data
Global building footprints, urban morphology, and settlement datasets including Microsoft Building Footprints, Google Open Buildings, and World Settlement Footprint.
Quick answer: compare official sources, download formats, coverage, licensing, and practical GIS workflows in this Urban & buildings directory.
Building footprints Microsoft Google Open Buildings Urban morphology Settlement 3D buildings
Downloadable datasets in this category
6
Each dataset page captures official source links, access notes, and related GIS workflows.
Official sources and direct access
Mixed delivery
Find provider portals, available file downloads and instructions for accessing each source.
Spatial data guidance
Choose a source
Compare geographic coverage, file formats and reuse terms before choosing data for your map or analysis.
Urban and building pages help GIS users find fine-resolution building footprint data for cities and regions worldwide, useful for urban planning, disaster response, and population modeling.
The directory spans global building footprint datasets from satellite imagery, settlement classifications, and 3D building models with consistent licensing and access guidance.
Downloadable datasets in this category
Category directory
Open a dataset guide for source links, download steps and practical answers about working with the files.
GeoJSON / CSV
Google Open Buildings
Google's open building footprint dataset covering Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America from high-res imagery.
Urban growth monitoring Infrastructure planning
GeoTIFF
World Settlement Footprint (WSF)
DLR's global settlement mask at ~10m resolution distinguishing built-up from non-built-up areas using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2.
Urban extent mapping Urban sprawl monitoring
GeoTIFF
DLR Global Urban Footprint (GUF)
German Aerospace Center's global settlement mask at ~12m resolution derived from TanDEM-X radar data.
Urban extent mapping Settlement delineation
GeoJSON / Parquet
Overture Maps Buildings
Overture Maps Foundation's global 3D building dataset with footprints, height, and attributes derived from OSM and partners.
3D city modeling Urban planning
GeoTIFF
Global Building Heights (EC JRC)
European Commission JRC global building height map at 100m resolution derived from satellite data.
3D urban modeling Population exposure assessment
Recommended urban data workflow
How to choose a source
- Use Microsoft Building Footprints or Google Open Buildings for the broadest global building coverage.
- Use World Settlement Footprint when you need urban vs. rural classification rather than individual building polygons.
- Combine building footprints with population grids and land cover for integrated urban analysis.
Category FAQ
Category FAQ
Which free building footprint dataset has the best global coverage?
Microsoft Building Footprints and Google Open Buildings both offer billions of building polygons globally. Microsoft has the longest track record with releases for most continents; Google Open Buildings provides consistent global coverage with regular updates.
Can I use building footprints with DEM data from this site?
Yes. Building footprints pair naturally with elevation data for 3D urban visualization and flood risk analysis.