Microsoft Building Centroids

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Last updated on 7/28/2023 2:12:44 PM.

Microsoft Building Centroid Overview

NOTE: The Building Cluster layer is no longer being maintained and updated. Be cautious of this data as it represents a snapshot in time pre-2022. The layer remains in WFDSS as a reference layer.

The Microsoft Building Centroid layer uses Microsoft Building Footprint data to depict the locations of over 129 million structures within the 50 States and the District of Columbia.

Data Input

Microsoft has used AI technology and Bing imagery to generate a collection of 129,591,852 high-quality building footprints for the United States. Using the Microsoft Building Footprint data available for the US, a model was run to extract the centroid of each building footprint. The resulting layer was then reprojected to GCS, NAD 83 for use in WFDSS.

Disclaimer

These data are intended for strategic use only and should not be assumed accurate for use beyond this purpose. Limited data processing of the available datasets was completed to prepare data for use and analysis in WFDSS.

Data Limitations

• Imagery Limitations: The collection of imagery used to develop Microsoft Building Footprints was captured before 12/31/2020. Any parcel changes (ex: new construction or demolition) that occurred in 2021 or onward will not be captured in this layer.
• Algorithm Limitations: Errors of commission and omission are bound to exist when utilizing AI to classify imagery. To ensure the best output, Microsoft performs post processing to remove noise and reduce false positives. Please note that even though post processing is performed, always check with your resource advisor or local representative when attempting to identify a particular asset. By randomly sampling 1000 buildings, Microsoft estimates a false positive ratio of less than 1%.

Data Information

Source:	Microsoft Building Footprints
Source Extent:	50 States and the District of Columbia
WFDSS Extent:	50 States and the District of Columbia
Source Projection/Datum:	GCS, WGS84
WFDSS Projection/Datum:	GCS, NAD 83

Building Centroid Definition: Microsoft Building Centroids represent assumed and approximate locations of one or more structures. Building centroid points are intended for STRATEGIC USE ONLY. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Building Centroids GIS Contacts

The WFDSS application is "data rich". It requires data which is spatially oriented and graphically displays information to support wildland fire and other natural resource decisions. In April 2009, an interagency GIS team was formed to provide data support for WFDSS. This team is responsible for acquiring, consolidating, and validating their agency spatial and tabular data. In addition, this team develops and maintains communications amongst local, regional, and national agency personnel to improve the collection process and provide explicit guidance on data needs. The members of the WFDSS GIS Team are:

Table 1: WFDSS GIS Team Contacts

WFMRD&A Amanda Rumsey Data Scientist 208.830.0160 send email	WFMRD&A Jonah Vaughan GIS Specialist 406.531.4702 send email	WFMRD&A Susan McClendon GIS Specialist 208.258.4244 send email
BLM - AFS Jennifer L. Jenkins GIS Specialist 907.356.5587 send email	BLM - NIFC Julie Osterkamp Natural Resource Specialist 801.520.8702 send email	BIA - NIFC Joseph Kafka Fire Management Specialist 208.387.5572 send email
NPS - NIFC Skip Edel Fire - GIS Program Lead 303.969.2947 send email	USFS - NIFC Cole Belongie Data Coordinator 208.488.5246 send email	USFWS - NIFC Andrew Bailey National Fire Planner 208-387-5345 send email