Use of Satellite Imagery to Identify Light Pollution Sources in Urban Structure - the Limits and the Benefits

This paper discusses the limits and benefits of satellite images used as a tool to identify sources of light pollution in the urban environments. It helps to detect the over illuminated or high-contrast zones that are often not obvious from human perspective, such as vertical landmarks illuminated by architectural lighting. Using the example of the historic centre of Karlovy Vary, a famous spa town in the Czech Republic, this study describes the process of data collection and evaluation, glare risk assessment and visual comfort of users. It identifies uncertainties and describes the benefits of the chosen approach.