Population potential on catchment area (PPCA): A Python-based tool for worldwide geospatial population analysis

Abstract

The Population Potential in Catchment Area (PPCA) protocol is a Python-based methodology designed to evaluate and analyze population distributions within specified pedestrian catchment areas globally. PPCA utilizes OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Global Human Settlement (GHS) data and employs Google Earth Engine for data acquisition and morphometric analysis. Through a series of four automated steps, the protocol cleans, processes, and classifies geospatial data, ultimately yielding refined population estimations within defined catchment regions. This protocol enables researchers and urban planners to assess the population that can be potentially accessed on foot using the street network, within given distances. The protocol allows this assessment globally with minimal input requirements, focusing mostly on bounding box coordinates.

Keywords

• Spatial analysis
• Accessibility
• Population
• Catchment areas