VIrginia Urban Dynamics Study Using DMSP/OLS Nighttime Imagery

Abstract

Urban dynamics at regional scales has been increasingly important for economics, policies, and land use planning, and monitoring regional scale urban dynamics has become an urgent need in recent years. This study illustrated the use of time series nighttime light (NTL) data from the United States Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellites Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) to delineate urban boundaries and tracked three key urban changes: land cover change, population growth and GDP growth within Virginia. NTL data from different years were inter-calibrated to be comparable by using linear regression model and Pseudo Invariant Features (PIFs) method. Urban patches were delineated by applying thresholding techniques based on digital number (DN) values extracted from DMSP/OLS imagery. Compounded Night Light Index (CNLI) values were calculated to help estimate GDP, and these processes were applied in a time series from 2000 to 2010. Spatial patterns of DN change and the variation of CNLI indicate that human activities were increasing during the 10 years in Virginia. Accuracy of the results was confirmed using ancillary data sources from the U.S. Census and NLCD imagery.