Chinese scientists are utilizing the capabilities of the science satellite SDGSAT-1 to address the escalating problem of light pollution in urban areas. A recent study conducted by the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, featured in the International Journal of Digital Earth, sheds light on the innovative utilization of this satellite.
The satellite is instrumental in providing high-resolution nighttime light data to combat light pollution.
Innovative Use of SDGSAT-1
The study emphasizes the growing shift towards LED lighting in the pursuit of decarbonization. While LEDs are known for their energy efficiency, they have brought about a new concern—blue light pollution. Consequently, there is a need for a tool that can swiftly and accurately differentiate between various types of light sources on a large scale.
Precision in Identifying Light Sources
SDGSAT-1 is rising to the occasion by offering high-resolution, multispectral nighttime light data that sets it apart from other sources.
By using Beijing as a testing ground, scientists were able to showcase the satellite's capabilities, achieving an impressive 92 percent accuracy in identifying artificial light at night and a 95 percent success rate in pinpointing streetlights. The satellite's imagery reveals the intricate patterns of light throughout the city, particularly along the 5th Ring Road, providing fresh insights into the varying levels of light pollution across different areas of the urban landscape.
Impact on Urban Design
The research findings go beyond merely mapping out bright spots; they unveil substantial variations in lighting across different types of roads and streetlights. This highlights the influence that urban planning and infrastructure exert on the adoption of lighting technologies.
SDGSAT-1, launched on November 5, 2021, holds the distinction of being the first space science satellite specifically dedicated to supporting the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its primary objective is to monitor how human activities, nature, and sustainable development intersect from a vantage point in space.
In a significant development last September, SDGSAT-1 made a groundbreaking contribution to our comprehension of urban expansion and sustainability by presenting the world's inaugural global atlas of urban nighttime light remote-sensing data. This atlas isn't merely a compilation of aesthetically pleasing nighttime city images; it represents a comprehensive dataset with a resolution of 10 meters, covering 147 cities in 105 countries. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers committed to the cause of sustainable urban development.
