Degree of Urbanization

Urbanizationv03.00 credits/per_km2

Responsible:Niccolò Calandri

Degree of Urbanization

Overview

Degree of urbanization is an indicator of the presence and extent of urban areas within the study area. It classifies the territory based on population density and infrastructure, providing information on anthropic pressure on the environment and natural habitats.

Urbanization is one of the main drivers of global biodiversity loss: the conversion of natural habitats into artificial surfaces reduces ecological connectivity, fragments ecosystems and alters local hydrological and climate cycles. Understanding the degree of urbanization is essential for sustainable land-use planning and environmental impact assessment.

Calculation Methodology

The indicator is based on the GHSL-SMOD classification (Global Human Settlement Layer — Settlement Model), produced by the JRC (Joint Research Centre) of the European Commission:

Data source — GHSL-SMOD, which integrates satellite land-cover data with census-based population density data
Urbanization classes:
- 10 — Water
- 11 — Rural, very low density
- 12 — Rural, low density
- 13 — Rural cluster
- 21 — Suburban
- 22 — Semi-dense urban cluster
- 23 — Dense urban cluster
- 30 — Urban centre
Aggregation — for each polygon, the percentage distribution of SMOD classes and the dominant level are calculated

Unit: categorical classification (SMOD classes)

Data Sources

Code	Name	Provider	Resolution	Availability
`WRD_GHSMD_99`	GHSL Settlement Model	JRC / European Commission	1 km	1975 — present

Classes and Interpretation

SMOD Class	Description	Interpretation
`30`	Urban centre	High density, maximum anthropic pressure
`23`	Dense urban cluster	Dense urbanization
`22`	Semi-dense urban cluster	Moderate urbanization
`21`	Suburban	Peri-urban areas, medium pressure
`13`	Rural cluster	Small rural settlements
`12`	Rural, low density	Rural areas with low pressure
`11`	Rural, very low density	Natural/agricultural areas with minimal pressure
`10`	Water	Water bodies

Technical Notes

Degree of Urbanization maps must be generated before computation
The GHSL-SMOD classification is periodically updated by the JRC
SMOD classes follow the methodology endorsed by the United Nations Statistical Commission in 2020

References

Pesaresi, M. et al. (2023). "GHS-SMOD R2023A — GHS Settlement Layers". European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC). https://doi.org/10.2905/A0DF7A6F-49DE-46EA-9BDE-563437A6E2BA
Dijkstra, L. et al. (2021). "Applying the Degree of Urbanisation to the globe: A new harmonised definition reveals a different picture of global urbanisation". Journal of Urban Economics, 125, 103312.
UN Statistical Commission (2020). "A recommendation on the method to delineate cities, urban and rural areas for international statistical comparisons". Statistical Commission, 51st session.

Data Sources & References

Sources

WRD_GHSMD_99

Methodology

The degree of urbanization classifies the area based on population density and infrastructure. Source: GHSL Settlement Model (SMOD). Classes: 10=Water, 11=Rural very low density, 12=Rural low density, 13=Rural cluster, 21=Suburban, 22=Semi-dense urban cluster, 23=Dense urban cluster, 30=Urban centre.