Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences (S4)

Night Lights

Night Lights

Measurements of economic growth often fall short for developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and are rarely calculated at all for cities throughout the world.

In a new working paper, three Brown University economists suggest a way to improve GDP estimates for such areas by using images of nighttime lights as seen from outer space.

black and white map of the world from orbit at night highlighting city lights

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