Quantifying Spatiotemporal Changes in Human Activities Induced by COVID-19 Pandemic Using Daily Nighttime Light Data
Ting Lan1,2, Guofan Shao3, Lina Tang1
1Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and HealthInstitute of Urban EnvironmentChinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen 361021 China.
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing
|November 23, 2021
Summary
Nighttime light (NTL) data reveal how COVID-19 lockdowns impacted human activities across China. NTL intensity changes reflect control measures, not case numbers, with varied regional recovery patterns observed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered global human activities.
- Nighttime light (NTL) data offer a macro-scale perspective on these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze spatial variations and temporal dynamics of human activities using daily NTL data during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.
- To explore the relationship between NTL changes, confirmed cases, and epidemic control measures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized daily nighttime light (NTL) data across the Chinese mainland.
- Correlated NTL intensity changes with COVID-19 spread and control measures.
- Compared NTL recovery patterns in different regions and cities.
Main Results:
- NTL changes correlated with control measures, not confirmed case counts.
- Major cities and urban agglomerations showed greater NTL reduction than smaller cities.
- Regional recovery varied, with coastal cities experiencing fluctuations due to imported cases.
- Overall NTL in China recovered to 89.5% by March 31, 2020, compared to the previous year.
Conclusions:
- Daily NTL data are effective for monitoring human activity dynamics during public health events.
- NTL data can evaluate the impact of control measures on human activities.
- Findings provide insights into regional resilience and recovery post-pandemic.
