Light Pollution Dataset for Iberian Peninsula Released
Jan 05, 2024
The inaugural dataset of light pollution data for the Iberian Peninsula was released on December 13, 2023, by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) in partnership with the Complutense University of Madrid. The event marked a milestone that made it possible of utilizing data from the Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1).
Boasting an unprecedented resolution of 40 meters, the Iberian Peninsula dataset provides extensive coverage, encompassing not only the mainland but also the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Balearic Islands.
The dataset highlights SDGSAT-1's capability to estimate the color temperature of identified light sources, a crucial element in understanding the implications of artificial light during nighttime. This functionality provides a valuable tool for a more precise evaluation of its effects on both the environment and human health.
Moreover, it provides decision-making support for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to light management and night sky protection.
Launched on November 5, 2021, SDGSAT-1 stands as the world's first science satellite dedicated to serving the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda). SDGSAT-1 aims to depict traces of human-caused activities by synergetic observations day and night, employing its three sensors—Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, Glimmer, and Multispectral Imagers to provide data support for the study of SDG indicators related to human-nature interaction.
Up to November 2023, CBAS has shared more than 250,000 image data with users in 85 countries and territories worldwide through the "SDGSAT-1 Open Science Program," contributing to the implementation of Global Development Initiatives (GDI) and the 2030 Agenda.
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