New AI and Satellite Mapping Reveals Local Human Development Disparities

Research offers more granular view of human development within countries beyond national averages

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A new study published in Nature Communications leverages satellite imagery and machine learning to generate localized estimates of the Human Development Index (HDI) at the municipal and county levels globally. This provides a more detailed understanding of human development variations within countries, moving beyond national averages reported by the United Nations Development Programme. The findings could help policymakers target interventions and resources to areas most in need.

Why it matters

Traditional national-level HDI metrics can mask significant regional inequalities, especially in large and diverse countries. This new hyperlocal data allows for the identification of lagging areas within countries, enabling more targeted interventions and resource allocation to improve human development outcomes for those most in need.

The details

Researchers developed a model that analyzes satellite imagery and applies machine learning algorithms to infer levels of human development at the local level, providing results for 61,530 municipalities and counties globally. The study was a collaboration between the UN's Human Development Report Office and researchers from Stanford, Caltech, and the University of British Columbia.

  • The study was published on February 17, 2026 in Nature Communications.
  • The UN's Nature Relationship Index (NRI), inspired by the HDI, is currently under development and expected to be featured in the 2026 Human Development Report.

The players

United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Human Development Report Office (HDRO)

A leading voice in assessing national progress through the Human Development Index (HDI), a composite statistic incorporating income, education, and health.

Heriberto Tapia

Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor at the HDRO, who co-authored the research.

Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

One of the academic institutions that collaborated on the research.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

One of the academic institutions that collaborated on the research.

University of British Columbia (UBC)

One of the academic institutions that collaborated on the research.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The development of the Nature Relationship Index (NRI), currently under development by the HDRO and expected to be featured in the 2026 Human Development Report, reflects a broader trend towards expanding the definition of national progress.

The takeaway

This research demonstrates the potential of leveraging readily available data sources, such as satellite imagery, to overcome data gaps and provide a more nuanced understanding of human development at the local level. The implications extend beyond academic interest, as these hyperlocal HDI estimates can help identify areas within countries that are lagging behind, allowing for more targeted interventions and resource allocation.