How to Download and Visualize Microsoft Global Building Footprint Data in QGIS

Step 1: Access the Microsoft Global Building Footprint Website

Begin by opening a web browser and searching for the “Microsoft Global Building Footprint Data.” You can directly access the site through this link.

Step 2: Select Your Study Area

On the website, you’ll find an option to select your country from a comprehensive list. Choose the country for which you want to download the building footprint data. For example, if you want data for French Guiana, click on the relevant link.

Step 3: Download the Data

After selecting your country, the data will begin to download automatically. Once the download is complete, navigate to your download folder to locate the file.

Step 4: Extract the Data

After downloading, right-click on the file and select “Extract” to unpack the contents. This will prepare the data for use in GIS software.

Step 5: Open QGIS Software

Launch the QGIS software on your computer. Once opened, go to the “Layers” menu and select “Add Layer” followed by “Add Vector Layer.”

Step 6: Load the Data into QGIS

In the dialog box, select the folder where you extracted the data. Click on the appropriate file and then click “Open.” Finally, press the “Add” button to load the data into your QGIS project.

Step 7: Visualize the Building Footprint Data

Once the data is added, you can zoom to the frame to visualize the building footprints. This data is now ready for analysis and can be used for various research purposes. Comparing these footprints against base maps like OpenStreetMap will give you a sense of their accuracy. 

Step 8: Utilize the Data for Your Research

You can use this data for your research needs or extract specific areas of interest within the downloaded country data. This flexibility allows you to tailor the data for your specific project requirements.

FAQ

What is the Microsoft Global Building Footprint Data?

The Microsoft Global Building Footprint Data is a dataset containing building footprints derived from satellite imagery, covering various countries worldwide.

Is the data free to use?

Yes, the data is freely available for download and can be used under the Open Database License (ODbL).

Can I use this data for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use the data for commercial purposes as long as you comply with the ODbL terms.

What software do I need to open the data?

You can use GIS software such as QGIS to open and analyze the building footprint data.