1. Summary

The latest data is available at Earth in the Night from Space: Nighttime Lights Time Series by DMSP Satellites (1992-2012 : Google Maps Version).

"The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Linescan System (OLS) has a unique low-light imaging capability, developed for the detection of clouds using moonlight. In addition to moonlit clouds, the OLS also detects lights from human settlements, fires, gas flares, heavily lit fishing boats, lightning and the aurora. By analyzing the location, frequency, and appearance of lights observed in an image times series, it is possible to distinguish four primary types of lights present at the earth's surface: human settlements, fires, gas flares, and fishing boats. We have produced a map of the four types of light sources as observed during a 6-month period in 1994 - 1995." (From the General Overview in the document included in the World Stable Lights dataset).

This dataset is available at Data Download page. The largest data is in 1km resolution, in which city lights and flares are combined. Other datasets such as datasets for each type of light are also provided for downloading.

2. World Stable Lights

World Stable Lights: Japan

Several images in the following illustrate several regions in Japan generated from the World Stable Lights dataset. The brighter the area is, the brighter the yellow color is, and the background of those images are generated from the Blue Marble dataset.

3. World Stable Lights Around Japan

Okinawa

World Stable Lights: Okinawa

West Japan

World Stable Lights: West Japan

East Japan

World Stable Lights: East Japan

Hokkaido Island

World Stable Lights: Hokkaido

4. Related Links