The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the U.S. population, impacting birth rates, mortality rates, and international migration. Within this context, a fascinating change unfolded in domestic migration patterns, as established trends intensified and unexpected population growth occurred in small rural counties. However, post-pandemic, these counties are experiencing out migration levels similar to pre-pandemic numbers. For example in Texas, Dallas County had net domestic outmigration of 25,000 in 2019 and 43,000 in 2021. The loss narrowed to just over 20,000 in 2022.
Meanwhile, on a global scale, the Russia/Ukraine war led to internal displacement of over 3 million people within Ukraine, with an additional 7 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The resulting strain on essential resources and infrastructure in unprepared cities is difficult to comprehend.
These examples highlight the rapid pace of societal transformations, emphasizing the critical necessity for innovative solutions capable of addressing ever-evolving challenges. Such urgency underscores the need for current and accurate data that effectively captures the monumental shifts and advancements shaping our society.
Introducing the latest version of Atlas AI’s Atlas of Human Settlements (AHS) – our geospatial data solution that tracks important indicators of settlements, and their growth and change over time at 10 meter resolution and higher. The AHS, available as of 2022 currently, with first half of 2023 data soon to be released, is over 5 years more recent than other settlement indicators and can be updated as frequently as quarterly. Imagine relying on information from 2018 to understand the rapid changes that have occurred in our world since then!
Whether due to economic growth and opportunity, migration, attrition in the face of natural hazards such as frequent flooding or fires, or access enabled by infrastructure and services, a first step in serving these communities is to know where, how and how fast they are changing. Like how many people were displaced during the recent floods and landslides in Haiti. Or how we can leverage the current infrastructure in Turkey/Syria to enable more relief efforts to get to the people in need.
The significance of the AHS goes beyond mapping buildings and infrastructure. It enables us to understand how our communities are evolving, identify thriving areas or communities at risk, and determine where strategic investments can fuel sustainable development. By combining knowledge of human settlements with other socioeconomic indicators, we gain valuable insights into prosperity levels, community needs, risks, and growth trends across the globe.
If you're seeking to leverage the power of the Atlas of Human Settlements in your work,please reach out to us at hello@atlasai.us
