Spatiotemporal analysis of light pollution in Samsun (Turkey) using spatial statistics and algebra from SNPP/VIIRS satellite imagery

Sarp Doruk Ozturk; Derya Ozturk

doi:10.3986/AGS.14506

Authors

Sarp Doruk Ozturk Samsun Bahcesehir College Atakum Science and Technology High School, Samsun, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6159-4852
Derya Ozturk Ondokuz Mayis University, Department of Geomatics Engineering, Samsun, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0684-3127

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS.14506

Keywords:

light pollution, remote sensing, geographic information systems, spatiotemporal analysis, SNPP/VIIRS, urbanization, environmental sustainability

Abstract

This study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in light pollution in Samsun (Turkey) from 2012 to 2024 using remote sensing and geographic information systems. SNPP/VIIRS satellite data from five years were examined using spatial statistics and algebraic methods to measure nighttime light variations. Results show a sharp decline in dark sky areas and expansion of high light zones from 85.9 km² to 139.5 km², and medium zones from 87.6 km² to 145.5 km², driven by urbanization and industrial growth. Rapid changes occurred in Atakum, Ilkadim, Canik, and Tekkekoy, affecting sensitive ecological and astronomical sites. The strong correlation between light emissions and socio-economic indicators highlights the need for sustainable lighting policies to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

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