Estimates of population density are a valuable data source for policymakers, for example, in the context of developing a vaccination programme. However, census data is not collected frequently enough to be sufficient for such applications. This means that many census based population estimates do not account for rapid population change and may also lack precision in rural areas.

Countries in emerging economies generally do not have reliable civil/health records, nor periodic, extensive or updated population and housing censuses. This can mean millions of children are left out and forgotten - unable to access the healthcare, education and protection they require. We want to make these invisible children visible.