Facebook's Connectivity Lab and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) have released map data which offers unprecedented resolution in terms of population mapping. By combining the data with mobile network coverage maps and using the Zonal Statistics function in QGIS, I have been able to calculate the unserved populations in target countries.
However, what I would like to do, is use the HRSL data to calculate the existence of communities above a threshold of population X within a given radius Y. This would allow governments and operators alike to identify viable communities that require access to communication. Does an algorithm like this exist? Can someone help point me in the right direction?
The ideal output would be a number of polygons each with a population associated with it. I would like to be able to experiment with different values for X and Y. Perhaps radius is the wrong variable, square kilometres would be another possibility.
An solution that is implementable with Open Source tools is a requirement.