ABSTRACT
The objective of this paper is to investigate the possibility of using globally available nighttime imagery to produce digital maps referring to the degree of soil sealing (imperviousness). In specific, ‘stable lights’ DSMP/OLS data are used. The study area is the Moscow region. To correct for the OLS saturation problem, the VANUI index is used as a proxy to the degree of soil sealing. The results are validated by means of examining the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the estimated by satellite imagery soil sealing and a conventional map product. This correlation coefficient is found to be strong. The results show that the soil sealing degree has overall been substantially increased during the past two decades in the Moscow area which is in line with the overall understanding of the urbanization trends in the region.
