WorldPop STAC Data Downloader (Beta)

A desktop application for downloading WorldPop population data through the STAC API.

Important Beta Version Notice

This is beta software:

• The executable is NOT digitally signed
• Antivirus software may show false positive warnings
• Recommended: Build the executable yourself using the instructions below

Quick Start

Method 1: Simple Build Using .bat File (Recommended)

For users without terminal experience:

1. Download or clone this repository
2. Double-click the build.bat file in the project folder
3. Wait for the build to complete (may take several minutes)
4. Find the ready executable in the dist/ folder

The build.bat file automatically:

• Checks for Python installation
• Installs required dependencies
• Builds the executable
• Notifies when complete

Method 2: Run from Source Code

If you have Python installed:

1. Double-click the run.bat file - the program will start immediately
2. Or run in terminal:

   python main.py

Method 3: Manual Build via Terminal

For experienced users:

# 1. Clone repository
git clone <repository-url>
cd stac-data-downloader

# 2. Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

# 3. Build executable
python build_exe.py

# Ready file will be in dist/ folder

Security Warnings

Why might antivirus block the program?

This is normal for beta version! Reasons:

• The executable file has no digital signature
• The program is new and unknown to antivirus databases
• PyInstaller applications often trigger false positives

What to do if antivirus blocks?

Option 1 (Recommended): Build it yourself

• Use build.bat for automatic building
• This way you can be sure of the code safety

Option 2: Add exception

• Add project folder to antivirus exceptions
• Temporarily disable protection during installation

Option 3: Use source code

• Run via run.bat or python main.py
• Does not require building executable

Troubleshooting

Build Problems

"Python not found":

• Install Python 3.8+ from python.org
• During installation, select "Add Python to PATH"

"Dependency errors":

• Run: pip install -r requirements.txt
• Ensure stable internet connection

"PyInstaller errors":

• The build.bat file will automatically install PyInstaller
• Or manually: pip install pyinstaller

Runtime Problems

"File won't start":

• Check if file is blocked by antivirus
• Run as administrator
• Try rebuilding

"API errors":

• Check internet connection
• Ensure STAC API is accessible

How to Use the Program

1. Search and Filter

• Select Countries: Browse and select countries of interest
• Set Filters: Year (2015-2030), resolution (100m/1km), project type
• Search Data: Click "Search Data" to find matching datasets

2. Search Results

• View Results: All datasets matching your criteria
• Sort: Click column headers to sort results
• Select: Check items you want to download
• Details: "Details" button for full metadata

3. Downloads

• Select Folder: Where to save files
• Review Selection: List of selected items
• Configure Options: Automatic folder organization by country/year
• Start Download: Monitor progress

Available Data

• Population Data: Estimates and projections (2015-2030)
• Demographics: Age and sex breakdowns
• Resolution: 100m and 1km
• Coverage: All countries and territories

Feedback

This is a beta version! Your feedback helps improve the product:

• Found bugs: Describe the problem in detail
• Suggestions: Ideas for functionality improvements
• Testing: Results on different systems