Predicting economic activity using atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) satellite data: Evidence from local economic indicators in Japan.

ABSTRACT: Accurate and timely measurement of subnational economic activity is crucial for policymakers during economic crises, natural disasters and pandemics such as COVID-19. The availability of such measurement enables policymakers to identify affected regions quickly, allocate emergency resources efficiently, and target fiscal interventions. Satellite-based indicators such as nighttime lights data can be used for such purposes. Nighttime lights data are now widely used to measure economic activity, yet recent studies have highlighted several limitations, including saturation in densely populated areas, omission of daytime activity, inconsistencies among satellite sensors, and measurement errors in regions without electrification. To address these issues, this study evaluates nitrogen dioxide (NO

SUBMITTER: Parubets S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12677523 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature