The Potential of Nighttime Light Imagery for Detailed Local Economic Analysis

Shoichi Otomo

Papers from arXiv.org

Abstract: This manuscript is an English translation and extended version of a paper originally published in Japanese (2022). Driven by remarkable advances in remote sensing and big data processing, spatial technologies are increasingly leveraged in economic research. While satellite nighttime light intensity is widely recognized for tracking macroeconomic parameters - such as regional GDP, employment, and population - less attention has been paid to fine-grained spatial processing methodologies for local tourism economies. This study first details a raster processing technique applied to nightlight imagery. It then focuses on Yuzawa Town (Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture), analyzing the local economy and sports/tourist attractions. Specifically, I investigate the spatio-temporal relationships between tourist arrivals and various local statistical datasets. Furthermore, this paper highlights how nightlight data can capture intra-municipal economic dynamics that remain undetectable through standard macroeconomic indicators.

Date: 2026-09
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Published in IPSJ Journal, Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 733-741, 2022

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:arx:papers:2609.33859

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