Validation of urban boundaries derived from Global population density data, MODIS and nighttime lights satellite imagery

摘要

[ABSTRACT] Global population density data compiled on a 30”× 30”latitude/longitude grid. Census counts were apportioned to each grid cell based on likelihood coefficients, which are based on proximity to roads, slope, land cover, nighttime lights, and other information. Population density data integrated with MODIS and nighttime light DMSP data have been proposed as a useful tool for monitoring urban expansion around the world, but determining appropriate thresholds for delineating cities remains a challenge. In this study we present a new approach. We used coarse resolution satellite data to delimit urban boundaries for cities with different level of urbanization and economic development, and compared the results against boundaries derived from fine-resolution Landsat ETM+ imagery and other existed continental scale urban map. Our comparison highlights population density data integrated with MODIS and nighttime lights DMSP data are good source for global urban mapping.