The National Population Database (NPD) is a point-based Geographical Information System (GIS) dataset that combines locational information from providers like the Ordnance Survey with population information about those locations, mainly sourced from Government statistics. The points (and sometimes polygons) represent individual buildings, so the NPD allows detailed local analysis for anywhere in Great Britain.
HSE working with Staffordshire University originally created the NPD in 2004.
The database helps assess the risks to society of major hazard sites such as oil refineries, chemical works and gas holders. It includes 'sensitive' populations such as schools and hospitals where the people at those locations may be more vulnerable to harm and potentially harder to evacuate in an emergency.
The data is split into 5 themes: residential, sensitive populations, transport, workplaces and leisure.
More information about the NPD, and other data and analytics products from HSE is available at
https://www.hse.gov.uk/products/research-and-consultancy/data-and-analytics.htm
