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Analysis of spatial inequality using DMSP‐OLS nighttime‐light satellite imageries: A case study of Thailand

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  • Krittaya Sangkasem
  • Nattapong Puttanapong

Abstract

Unbalanced regional development has been a persistent concern in Thailand, and satellite imageries can provide alternative data for examining the dynamics of regional development. This study validated the consistency between Defense Meteorological Satellite Program–Operational Linescan System (DMSP‐OLS) nighttime light (NTL) imageries and data from the official nationwide socio‐economic survey. It found that the two sources exhibited a statistically significant correlation in 1994–2013. On the basis of this finding, the NTL index was applied to the computations of the local indicators of spatial association (LISA) and Moran's I statistics. The results for LISA showed that Bangkok and its vicinity were highly concentrated development areas during the study period. However, the obtained Moran's I statistics indicated that the degree of concentration continuously decreased. NTL‐based Gini, Theil, and Atkinson inequality indices were also computed to validate the spatial expansion of regional development. All three NTL‐based indices showed that regional inequality decreased during the study period. El desarrollo regional desequilibrado ha sido una preocupación persistente en Tailandia, y las imágenes de satélite pueden proporcionar datos alternativos para estudiar la dinámica del desarrollo regional. Este estudio validó la consistencia entre las imágenes de luz nocturna (NTL, por sus siglas en inglés) del Sistema Operativo de Barrido Lineal del Programa de Satélites Meteorológicos de Defensa (DMSP‐OLS, por sus siglas en inglés) y los datos de la encuesta socioeconómica oficial a nivel nacional. Se encontró que ambas fuentes mostraron una correlación estadísticamente significativa para el período 1994‐2013. Sobre la base de este hallazgo, se aplicó el índice NTL a los cálculos de los indicadores locales de asociación espacial (LISA, por sus siglas en inglés) y al estadístico de la I de Moran. Los resultados de los LISA mostraron que Bangkok y sus alrededores fueron zonas de gran concentración de desarrollo durante el periodo de estudio. Sin embargo, los estadísticos obtenidos de la I de Moran indican que el grado de concentración disminuyó continuamente. También se calcularon los índices de desigualdad de Gini, Theil y Atkinson en función del NTL para validar la expansión espacial del desarrollo regional. Los tres índices basados en el NTL mostraron que la desigualdad regional disminuyó durante el periodo de estudio. タイにおいて不均衡な地域開発が根強い問題となっており、衛星画像から地域開発の動向を調べるための代替的データを得ることができる。本研究は、防衛気象衛星計画のオペレーショナルラインスキャンシステム(Defense Meteorological Satellite Program–Operational Linescan System:DMSP‐OLS)夜間光(nighttime light:NTL)画像と、全国規模の正式な社会経済調査のデータとの一貫性を検証した。1994~2013年のこの2つの調査のデータには、統計学的に有意な相関性があることが示された。これに基づき、空間的関連性の指標(the Local Indicators of Spatial Association:LISA)とMoranのI統計量の計算にNTL指数を適用した。LISAの結果から、バンコクとその周辺地域が調査期間中に高度に集中した開発地域であることが示された。しかし、得られたMoranのI統計からは、集中度が連続的に減少していることが示された。NTLベースのジニ係数、Theil指数、アトキンソン指数の不平等指数も計算し、地域開発の空間的な拡大を評価した。NTLに基づく3つの指数は全て、調査期間中に地域の不平等が減少することを示した。

Suggested Citation

  • Krittaya Sangkasem & Nattapong Puttanapong, 2022. "Analysis of spatial inequality using DMSP‐OLS nighttime‐light satellite imageries: A case study of Thailand," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 14(4), pages 828-849, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:rgscpp:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:828-849
    DOI: 10.1111/rsp3.12386
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    1. Guoping Xiong & Xin Cao & Nicholas A. S. Hamm & Tao Lin & Guoqin Zhang & Binghong Chen, 2021. "Unbalanced Development Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Regional Urban Spatial Form: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-39, March.

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