One of the key enhancements in SORA 2.5 is the more refined role of population density in the risk assessment process. Understanding who is on the ground, and how many, is essential when determining the Ground Risk Class (GRC) of a drone operation. This influences everything from operational constraints to the level of mitigation required. But until recently, finding reliable and consistent data across EASA Member States was a real challenge.

To address this, EASA has now released a harmonised dataset of statistical population density, which can directly support operators in conducting more precise and consistent SORA assessments. At AirHub, we’ve already integrated support for this dataset into our software, helping our users streamline their risk assessments and build compliant operations.

Why Is Population Density So Important in SORA?

In the SORA framework, one of the primary steps is the determination of the initial GRC, which is based on the area of operation and the expected presence of people on the ground. This step is crucial because it determines the baseline level of risk that must be mitigated before an operation can be approved.

Under SORA 2.5, population density is used to support the following:

• Characterisation of the operational area: rural, sparsely populated, populated, or densely populated

• Adjustments to the GRC based on shielding, strategic mitigations, or containment measures

• Justification of CONOPS and ground risk mitigations in more complex or populated environments

Accurate population data is therefore a cornerstone of any robust SORA package.

The New EASA Dataset: A Step Forward

To improve consistency across Member States, EASA has published a new, harmonised dataset of population density. It is designed specifically to support drone operations and is accessible via this portal:

EASA Statistical Population Density Portal: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b00a6ce43d1943959d21bc957de265f4

The underlying methodology and use of this dataset are explained in the EASA document:

Guidelines on Static Population Data: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/drones-air-mobility/operating-drone/statistical-population-density-easa-member-states

According to this guidance, the dataset classifies population density using a hexagonal grid with cells of 250 meters in width (approximately 5 hectares per hex). Each hexagon contains the population count and the population density per square kilometre, allowing operators to determine the applicable category for their area of operation.

The four categories of population density defined are:

• Very low: fewer than 100 people per square kilometre (typically rural or remote areas)

• Low: between 100 and 400 people per square kilometre (sparsely populated regions)

• Medium: between 400 and 1,000 people per square kilometre (suburban or semi-urban environments)

• High: more than 1,000 people per square kilometre (urban or city areas)

Using the Dataset in Your SORA

To use the EASA dataset in your SORA, follow these steps:

1. Identify your operational area by defining the full volume and ground buffer of your mission using GIS tools or the EASA population portal.

2. Extract the hexagonal density data and determine the density class of your flight area.

3. Use the assigned density level to justify your initial GRC, following the methodology defined in the SORA AMC/GM.

4. Include map visuals, numerical data, and your justification in your CONOPS and SORA documents.

At AirHub, we help automate this process.

How AirHub Software Supports This

Our Drone Operations Platform allows users to upload and overlay the EASA dataset directly in our mission planning environment. Users can:

• View the EASA population density map as an integrated layer

• Automatically assess density levels per operational zone

• Export relevant data for use in SORA and CONOPS documentation

• Combine the density layer with other planning data, such as airspace, weather, terrain, and infrastructure

This offers a complete and compliant planning environment, particularly important for BVLOS and urban operations.

How Our Consultancy Can Help

Navigating SORA 2.5 isn’t just about data, it’s about interpretation and application. Our Consultancy team can support you in:

• Choosing appropriate risk levels and mitigations based on your operation’s design

• Structuring your documentation in line with current authority expectations

• Generating SORA, CONOPS, and OM documents that incorporate real-world data, including population density overlays

• Advising on future-proofing your authorisation strategy as operations expand or regulations change

We combine deep regulatory knowledge with hands-on operational experience. With the right tools and support, compliance becomes an enabler, not a burden.