Dasymetric Mapping of Population Distribution in Serbia Based on Soil Sealing Degrees Layer

Abstract

This paper outlines a methodology used to disaggregate a census population in order to more accurately determine the population distribution over a regional area or a state scale. Data regarding population distributions are usually accessible at the level of individual census designation places and are usually mapped as aggregated polygons by the choropleth method with the assumption of a homogeneous distribution of population within a cartographic unit. In contrast, dasymetric mapping provides a more reliable view into the allocation of inhabitants, which can be of significant importance when estimating population distributions. Coupling this methodology with the GIS environment and a free open access database of soil sealing facilitates the acquisition of population surface models for human and urban geography applications.