Satellite-based analysis of light pollution in Slovenia for the period 2013–2022

Juš Gašparič; Ana Potočnik Buhvald; Dušan Petrovič

doi:10.3986/AGS.14686

Authors

Juš Gašparič University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3032-2530
Ana Potočnik Buhvald University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6662-1999
Dušan Petrovič University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5908-8180

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS.14686

Keywords:

light pollution, spatial analysis, heat map, time series, VIIRS, Slovenian cities

Abstract

Light pollution is a serious global issue that negatively affects human health, the environment, and wildlife, while also causing unnecessary energy consumption. Using satellite imagery from the S-NPP and NOAA-20 satellites, obtained via the Google Earth Engine platform, we analysed the situation in Slovenia from 2013 to 2022. Image processing involved inverse distance weighting interpolation and the kernel density estimation method. With time series we showed trends and ranges in the six major urban areas and with heat maps their spatial distribution. Special attention was given to the period of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by comparing the data with those from previous and subsequent years. The results revealed a slight overall increase in light pollution, consistent with global trends.

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