Simple Models of Light Pollution in Indonesia Using VIIRS Data

Various physical or mathematical models have analyzed the relationship between Radiance and distance. Using data from VIIRS satellite imagery, this paper proposes a simplified method to analyze the relationship between the average Radiance áRñ and the distance r measured from the center point (highest Radiance). We reviewed three major cities in Indonesia: Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. Analyzing the VIIRS raw data from 2012-2021, Jakarta follows the power-law relation: $\langle R\rangle \sim r^{-\alpha}$. Bandung and Yogyakarta follow the exponential relation: $\langle R\rangle \sim \exp (-\alpha r)$, where the values of $\alpha$ vary yearly. In addition, we also find that the average Radiance follows the power-law relation with the area A that is $\langle R\rangle \sim A^{-\beta}$,, where A is the region area at a distance r. The $\beta$ exponent varies every year and from all three cities. By comparing the numerical results to real-time VIIRS data, the study validates the reliability of this simplified approach. The findings underscore the impact of urban development on light pollution, offering a practical and extendable model to other regions. This research contributes to understanding urban lighting dynamics, providing implications for sustainable city planning and environmental protection efforts.