Datasets

The Land Utilization in Hong Kong (LUHK) data is compiled using the updated satellite images, in-house survey information of the Planning Department, and other relevant information from various government departments. As definitions of some land use classes and methodology are updated from time to time, the figures this year may not be directly comparable to those provided in previous years.

The Land Utilization in Hong Kong (LUHK) is a broad-brush presentation of distribution of land uses in Hong Kong, compiled using the updated satellite images, in-house survey information of the Planning Department, and other relevant information from various government departments (the dates on which the satellite images were taken and on which the information was collected are shown in the associated data description files). The LUHK raster grids have a spatial resolution of 10m. The area of land uses are approximated to the nearest square km. The data is not designed or intended for detailed analysis or calculation purposes.As definitions of some land use classes and methodology are updated from time to time, the figures this year may not be comparable directly to those provided in previous years. The datasets are available for download in API.

Planning Department (PlanD) has prepared a 3D photo-realistic model for part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. The 3D photo-realistic model for Hong Kong Island (part) and Kowloon Peninsula (part) were formulated based on the aerial photos captured in March 2017 and March 2018 respectively. The index plan and the content of CSV file can be found [here](https://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/info_serv/3D_models/Remarks_for_the_3D_Photo-realistic_Model.pdf) Metadata File for Kowloon Peninsula Data can be found [here](https://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_tc/info_serv/3D_models/Metadata/KLN_metadata.zip) The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API. DISCLAIMER The data provided by the PlanD is for reference only. Whilst endeavours have been made to ensure the accuracy of the data on this site, no express or implied warranty or representation is given to the accuracy or completeness of the data or its appropriateness for use in any particular circumstances. The PlanD is not responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising out of or in connection with this web site and if necessary you should obtain independent legal advice before acting upon it. The PlanD reserves the right to omit, suspend or edit all data at any time in its absolute discretion without giving any reason or prior notice. Users are responsible for making their own assessment of all data. The PlanD shall not be held liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, business interruption, loss of information) arising out of the use or inability to use such data. The PlanD does not undertake to provide any updated version of the data and reserves the right to suspend the provision of the data at any time. The time required for downloading the data would depend on the current network environment.

For town planning purpose, the whole territory of Hong Kong is divided into various Tertiary Planning Units (TPUs) in the Population Census / Population By-census. On the one hand, these TPUs are sub-divided into Subunits in 2021 Population Census (but divided into Street Blocks (SBs) or Village Clusters (VCs) in urban and rural areas respectively in 2001 Population Census; 2006 Population By-census; 2011 Population Census; and 2016 Population By-census). On the other hand, these TPUs are aggregated under 52 Secondary Planning Units (SPUs) at the next higher level (only 51 SPUs in 2001 Population Census). The SPUs are further grouped under nine Primary Planning Units (PPUs) at the highest level. Each of the TPU is identified by a unique three-digit number. The first digit of a TPU number identifies the PPU code while the first and second digits together correspond to the SPU code. In translating the boundaries of TPUs and Subunits or SBs/VCs for Population Census / Population By-census to digital format, reference has been made to different topographic maps, which may of various scales, prepared by Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department available at the time of preparation. Since the geographical features on these maps may be updated from time to time, the boundaries of TPUs and Subunits or SBs/VCs may not tally with the latest situation. Users are responsible for making their own assessment of the obtained data and are advised to verify such information before acting on it. The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API.

Results of Projections of Population Distribution 2023-2031 The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API.

###GENERAL NOTES :### The Territorial Population and Employment Data Matrix (TPEDM) is compiled by the Planning Department and updated regularly to tie in with the updated population projections of the Population Census. It provides estimated data on territorial distributions of population and employment in the future years for use as reference materials by government departments and stakeholders involved in the planning of developments and services. The 2021-based TPEDM was completed in 2024 by adopting the Census and Statistics Department's projections of territorial population released in August 2023 as the control totals. It includes the population and employment estimates for the base year (i.e. 2021) and the projections for two future years (i.e. 2026 and 2031). The population and employment data is presented in 18 District Council Districts and 5 Sub-regions as shown on [Map 1](https://www.pland.gov.hk/file/resources/population_data/tpedm/2021/Map_1.pdf) and [Map 2](https://www.pland.gov.hk/file/resources/population_data/tpedm/2021/Map_2.pdf). TPEDM was compiled using different assumptions regarding future territorial population, employment structure, economic growth as well as the planned and latest known development proposals of relevant Government departments, quasi-government bodies and the private sector. The assumptions on future development may be subject to change after the compilation. ###SPECIAL NOTES :### ***Population Coverage*** The population of 2021-based TPEDM refers to land-based Hong Kong Resident Population (HKRP). HKRP comprises “Usual Residents” and “Mobile Residents”, and foreign domestic helpers are included. (a) “Usual Residents” refer to two categories of people: (i) Hong Kong Permanent Residents who have stayed in Hong Kong for at least 3 months during the 6 months before or for at least 3 months during the 6 months after the reference time-point, regardless of whether they are in Hong Kong or not at the reference time-point; and (ii) Hong Kong Non-permanent Residents who are in Hong Kong at the reference time-point. (b) For those Hong Kong Permanent Residents who are not “Usual Residents”, they are classified as “Mobile Residents” if they have stayed in Hong Kong for at least 1 month but less than 3 months during the 6 months before or for at least 1 month but less than 3 months during the 6 months after the reference time-point, regardless of whether they are in Hong Kong or not at the reference time-point. Geographical distribution of population is generally made on the basis of place of residence. Accordingly, population of a particular area is made up of persons who live there. ***Employment Coverage*** Employment refers to the total number of full or part time jobs with establishments in Hong Kong. Positions taken up by working proprietors, self-employed, temporary employees as well as foreign domestic helpers are included. Jobs with establishments outside Hong Kong are excluded. Employment is measured by the number of jobs held. Thus, a person holding more than one job will be counted separately. On the other hand, job vacancies are excluded. Geographical distribution of employment is generally made on the basis of place of jobs. Accordingly, employment of a particular area is made up of number of jobs there. ***Geographical Demarcation Systems*** This version of 2021-based TPEDM presents estimates and projections of population and employment distribution at two levels of a geographical demarcation system, namely District Council District (DCD) and Sub-region. ***District Council District (DCD)[1]*** At the DCD level, the data are grouped and presented in respect of 18 DCDs boundaries (see [Map 1](https://www.pland.gov.hk/file/resources/population_data/tpedm/2021/Map_1.pdf)) to facilitate population and employment data extraction for land use and public facilities planning in District Council level. [1] The Loop Area is currently not included in a DCD, its figures are included in Yuen Long District. ***Sub-region*** The whole territory of Hong Kong can also be divided into five Sub-regions (see [Map 2](https://www.pland.gov.hk/file/resources/population_data/tpedm/2021/Map_2.pdf)), namely Metro Area, Northwest New Territories (NWNT), Northeast New Territories (NENT), Southeast New Territories (SENT) and Southwest New Territories (SWNT). The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API. ###DISCLAIMER### ***Many detailed working assumptions are involved in compiling the 2021-based TPEDM, changes to which may yield very different results. Although the Planning Department has endeavoured to adopt the best assumptions and data sources available at the time of producing the 2021-based TPEDM, persons making reference to the data therein should decide on the applicability of the data to any specific purpose or use. The Government is not to be held liable for any consequences arising from using the data.***

Planning Department (PlanD) completed the “Study on Existing Profile and Operation of Brownfield Sites in the New Territories – Feasibility Study” (“the Brownfield Study”) in November 2019. The major task was to capture a snapshot of comprehensive profile (including overall distribution, size, characteristics, economic uses, etc.) across brownfield sites in the New Territories (“NT”). Based on on-site surveys, the Brownfield Study identified a total of 1 414 hectares (ha) of brownfield sites with active operations, and some other 165 ha with no operation, in the New Territories. The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API. The open data is the geographical distribution of brownfield sites according to the findings of the Brownfield Study. The geographical distribution of brownfield sites may not tally with the latest situation. General extent of brownfield sites, instead of boundaries of individual site, is shown in this website. All map information provided on this website are for general reference only but not for site identification.

The survey report Northbound Southbound 2021 presents the findings of the Cross-boundary Travel Survey 2021, whilst the tables contain detailed statistics of the 2021 and previous rounds of the Surveys. The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API.

Boundaries of New Towns adopted in Population Census / Population By-census. In translating the boundaries of New Towns for Population Census / Population By-census to digital format, reference has been made to different topographic maps, which may of various scales, prepared by Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department available at the time of compilation. Since the geographical features on these maps may be updated from time to time, the New Town boundaries may not tally with the latest situation. Users are responsible for making their own assessment of the obtained data and are advised to verify such information before acting on it. The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API.

The Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong which consists comprehensive information on the existing conditions of landscape resources in the territory was prepared by the Consultants under the Consultancy Study namely Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong commissioned by Planning Department, and was completed in 2005. On the map, Hong Kong is divided into different types of landscape according to differences in their character of the landscapes. The dataset is available for download in API.

Site Wind Availability Data The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API.

Location Plan, Map, Orthophoto and Panorama of the 8 Identified Strategic Viewing Points. The external link leads to the "Strategic Viewing Points" page of the Planning Department website. The multiple file formats are available for dataset download in API.