Abstract:
Regional development studies are vital to understanding the disparities
in economic activity, infrastructure, and living standards
across regions. Traditional data sources, such as surveys and censuses,
though essential, often face limitations in coverage, timeliness,
and cost. Consequently, researchers have turned to geospatial
technologies and satellite-based observations to gain a more
comprehensive and dynamic understanding of regional development
patterns. The advent of high-resolution satellite imagery
has revolutionised the analysis of development disparities, offering
continuous, global, and fine-grained insights into economic
and social conditions. Satellite imagery, particularly through the
analysis of nighttime lights, provides a powerful proxy for measuring
economic activity. The intensity and distribution of these lights correspond closely with levels
of economic development, reflecting urbanisation, industrial activity, and infrastructure expansion. This
method enables near-real-time monitoring of economic dynamics and reveals the persistence of spatial
inequalities.
