Estimate population density in an area over a time period using anonymous, aggregated data. The area is divided into grid cells, with a density estimate and range in the response for each cell.
Population density around the venue rises before the event starts.
Density peaks as people leave the event. Each cell includes an estimate and range.
Crowds disperse late at night, and most cells are marked as low density only.
Grid cellsThe area is divided into small grid cells. You can choose the cell size.
Time periodsThe response is grouped by time period, with a density estimate for each cell in each period.
Population Density Data: How it works
- Area and timeThe service provider sends a polygon area and the start and end times.
- Anonymous estimationThe operator estimates population density in each cell using anonymous, aggregated data.
- Cell data responseThe response for each cell in each time period includes a density estimate and range, or marks it as low density or no data.
Population Density Data: API spec
POST /retrieve, with a synchronous response or asynchronous delivery through sinkarea (polygon), startTime, endTime, precision (1–12, default 7)| Response fields | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| pplDensity | Density estimate (people/km²) | 4200 |
| minPplDensity/maxPplDensity | Estimated range | 3800/4600 |
| dataType | DENSITY_ESTIMATION, LOW_DENSITY, or NO_DATA | DENSITY_ESTIMATION |
| status | Area support status | SUPPORTED_AREA |
Responses for three scenarios (excerpts)
DENSITY_ESTIMATIONDensity estimate available1800Center cell: people per square kilometerSUPPORTED_AREAData available for the entire area4200Center cell density estimate3800Lower bound of the estimate4600Upper bound of the estimateLOW_DENSITYFew people; marked as low density onlySUPPORTED_AREAData available for the entire areaSpec source: CAMARA PopulationDensityData r3.2 (Population Density Data v0.3.0)
Population Density Data: GSMA use cases
Safe and Efficient Route Planning for autonomous vehicles
Problem to solveWithout population and network coverage information, autonomous vehicles and drones struggle to plan safe routes that meet regulations.
Population Density Data's roleEstimates the number of people in an area to avoid densely populated areas and meet safety and regulatory requirements.
Used together: Dynamic Airspace Connectivity (network coverage at different altitudes)
GSMA source ↗Drone Flight Planning Risk Assessment
Problem to solveAssesses risks on the ground before a flight to fly safely under aviation regulations.
Population Density Data's roleEstimates population density in an area for a specified future period.
Used together: Connectivity Insights
GSMA source ↗Sources: GSMA Open Gateway Use Case Library and API Descriptions (accessed 2026-10-14). Descriptions are summaries.