Satellite Technology Sheds Light on Urban Nightscapes: SDGSAT-1's Role in Tackling LED Light Pollution
Jan 08, 2024
In response to the growing imperative for decarbonization, the widespread transition from artificial light at night (ALAN) to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has inadvertently given rise to a new challenge – blue light pollution and its associated adverse effects. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, scientists from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have turned to the Sustainable Development Science Satellite-1 (SDGSAT-1) as a pioneering tool to address and manage the impact of modern illumination sources on the urban environment.
A recent study has unveiled an approach that leverages SDGSAT-1's multispectral and high-resolution capabilities to rapidly, accurately, and comprehensively discriminate between various sources of illumination. The focus of this research is the vibrant city of Beijing, serving as a case study to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
The study was published in the International Journal of Digital Earth on Dec.21, 2023.
The developed method proves highly effective in distinguishing various types of light sources, boasting an overall accuracy of 92% for ALAN and an impressive 95% for streetlights.
Analysis of SDGSAT-1 images reveals clear and distinct illumination patterns, uncovering spatial heterogeneity in ALAN along Beijing's 5th Ring Road. This spatial insight provides valuable information on how light pollution varies across different urban areas.
The study identifies statistically significant disparities between road classes and types of streetlights. Notably, there is a pronounced increase in the usage of LED streetlights as the road class diminishes. This observation underscores the influence of urban planning and infrastructure on the prevalence of specific lighting technologies.
This study underscores the significant role of SDGSAT-1 in advancing our understanding of ALAN and its consequences for urban environment. By enhancing existing nighttime light data with cutting-edge features, SDGSAT-1 emerges as a valuable tool for policymakers and researchers, offering crucial insights into the complex landscape of urban lighting management. As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by LED light pollution, satellite technology provides a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and harmonious future.
Contact: luyq@aircas.ac.cn
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