Citiesreview 4: Nighttime Light Imagery Analysis

Citiesreview 4: Nighttime Light Imagery Analysis for Urban Planning explores the growing potential of Nighttime Light (NTL) satellite imagery as a valuable tool for understanding urban dynamics. The article discusses how NTL data offers real-time, objective visualizations of urban activity, energy use, and infrastructure patternsmaking it a valuable resource for cities seeking data-driven approaches to development. By visualizing illumination patterns, planners can assess disparities in access, detect informal settlements, and understand economic behavior without relying solely on conventional survey data.

The article is authored by Firman Afrianto (Sekjen IAP Jawa Timur), Andina Fathiyaturahma (Institut Teknologi Bandung), and Nugroho Purwono (BRIN), who collectively emphasize the need for urban practitioners to become more familiar with various satellite systems from low-resolution DMSP to more detailed sensors like Luojia and VIIRS.