A new 3D world map shows all buildings on Earth for the first time — with 2.75 billion models. A milestone for green business, sustainable planning, and climate-friendly cities.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: TUM
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have created an impressive map: The new Global Building Atlas shows 2.75 billion buildings worldwide as 3D models. This is the largest and most complete dataset of its kind to date.
The data comes from satellite images and contains 97% so-called LoD1 models – i.e., simplified 3D representations of each building’s shape and height.
Why is this Important?
These 3D models allow for better analysis of cities and settlements worldwide – for example, how densely living space is used or how much building volume there is per capita. This helps to better understand and visualize inequality, poverty, or overcrowding.
For urban planning, infrastructure, and future developments, e.g., new housing, schools, or hospitals, the map provides a solid foundation.
For climate and sustainability research, the atlas is an important tool: The 3D data can be used to model scenarios for energy consumption or building emissions – a clear contribution to sustainable transformation and green business.
Tool for GreenTech & Sustainable Transformation
The Global Building Atlas is more than just a map. It provides data that helps make cities more resilient, equitable, and climate-friendly. Especially in the areas of Greentech, sustainable urban planning, and environmental orientation, it creates new opportunities.
The TransformIT Europe trade fair and conference from May 5–8, 2026, in Brussels deals precisely with the topics of GreenTech, sustainable transformation, and smart cities, including smart buildings and infrastructure.
The Global Building Atlas fits perfectly with this approach – as a data-driven foundation for sustainable planning and green business. TransformIT Europe can highlight such innovations and contribute to how cities and companies can become future-proof and climate-friendly.
Bereits auf der Auftaktveranstaltung der TransformIT Europe im Mai 2025 war klimafreundliches Bauen ein zentrales Thema. Volker Weissenberger von CREE Buildings plädierte etwa dafür, Gebäude als Produkt – und nicht als einmaliges Projekt – zu denken.
Durch die Nutzung eines modularen Baukastensystems aus vorgefertigten Elementen (Decken, Wände, Kerne) soll es möglich werden, zwei Drittel des Betonanteils von Gebäuden durch den CO₂-speichernden Baustoff Holz zu ersetzen. Die Gebäude von CREE beispielsweise sind außerdem rückbaubar, auf Zirkularität angelegt und in Serienproduktion zu fertigen. Damit wird neben Klimaschutz auch der Fachkräftemangel adressiert.
Learn more at TransformIT Europe in Brussels (May 5–8, 2026). Be a part of it!
Sources & Links
- https://www.tum.de/aktuelles/alle-meldungen/pressemitteilungen/details/erstmals-alle-gebaeude-der-welt-als-3d-modell-verfuegbar
- https://nachrichten.idw-online.de/2025/12/02/all-the-world-s-buildings-available-as-3d-models-for-the-first-time
- https://gdz.bkg.bund.de/index.php/default/3d-gebaudemodelle-lod1-deutschland-lod1-de.html
- https://www.creebuildings.com
