Colour remote sensing of the impact of artificial light at night (I): The potential of the International Space Station and other DSLR-based platforms

DOI: 
10.1016/j.rse.2019.01.035
Publication date: 
22/02/2019
Main author: 
Sánchez de Miguel A.
IAA authors: 
Sánchez de Miguel, A.
Authors: 
Sánchez de Miguel A., Kyba C.C.M., Aubé M., Zamorano J., Cardiel N., Tapia C., Bennie J., Gaston K.J.
Journal: 
Remote Sensing of Environment
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
224.0
Pages: 
92-103
Abstract: 
Sensors on remote sensing satellites have provided useful tools for evaluation of the environmental impacts of nighttime artificial light pollution. However, due to their panchromatic nature, the data available from these sensors (VIIRS/DNB and DMSP/OLS) has a limited capacity accurately to assess this impact. Moreover, in some cases, recorded variations can be misleading. Until new satellite platforms and sensors are available, only nighttime images taken with DSLR cameras from the International Space Station (ISS), airplanes, balloons or other such platforms can provide the required information. Here we describe a theoretical approach using colour-colour diagrams to analyse images taken by astronauts on the ISS to estimate spatial and temporal variation in the spectrum of artificial lighting emissions. We then evaluate how this information can be used to determine effects on some key environmental indices: photopic vision, the Melatonin Suppression Index, the Star Light Index, the Induced Photosynthesis Index, production of NO 2 -NO radicals, energy efficiency and CO 2 emissions, and Correlated Colour Temperature. Finally, we use the city of Milan as a worked example of the approach. © 2019 The Authors
Database: 
SCOPUS
URL: 
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85061276641&doi=10.1016%2fj.rse.2019.01.035&partnerID=40&md5=1313767dda2678af66f07af774d8f980
Keywords: 
Artificial lighting; Light pollution; Night; Remote sensing; Urban