Mapping Urban Extent Associated with Socioeconomic Modelling from VIIRS/DNB Data and Landsat Imagery

Abstract

This research paper introduces a novel approach for estimating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi using remote sensing data. The study utilizes night-time light data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day/Night Band (DNB) to investigate the relationship between urbanization and GDP in the region. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes were analyzed using Landsat data for the years 1998, 2008, and 2018, while VIIRS/DNB data was employed to extract urban areas for the years 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021. GDP estimates for NCR Delhi were derived from state-wise statistics of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana for the years 2012 to 2021. The analysis reveals a statistically significant correlation between urban area growth and GDP growth in the Delhi NCR. Regression analysis is employed to establish the relationship between GDP and night time light data, resulting in the prediction of an estimated GDP of 1,02,00,000 million INR for the year 2023. This study demonstrates the potential of remote sensing data for estimating socioeconomic indicators and provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of the Delhi NCR.