ABSTRACT
Nighttime satellite imagery provided by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP OLS) provides a unique and profound view of urban areas around the globe. Data products derived from the DMSP OLS are unique in their time of observation, spatial resolution, global scope, and availability in time series. Most other satellite observations of the Earth are obtained during daylight hours in which the signal received is reflected solar radiation, emitted thermal radiation, or “bounced” radiation from active sensors. Nighttime satellite imagery captures radiation primarily from lightning, fires, and, most importantly, human sources such as city lights, lantern fishing, and gas flare burns.
