Assessing development patterns and carrying capacity using nighttime light analysis: A case study in Greece

In this work we present an approach for analysis of remotely sensed nightlights in order to determine the intensity and the spatiotemporal variability of human activities. Thus, the temporal trend and the seasonal and spatial patterns of the 326 municipalities of Greece were analyzed in order to recognize areas of intensive human activities either associated with urban or industrial activities and infrastructures which have low seasonality, or with tourism which exhibits substantial seasonal patterns. Comparison of the results with the Carrying Capacity for Development Index (CCDI) for Greece, highlights areas where intense economic activities are concentrated in areas with limited resources. Results indicate that most of the Southern Aegean islands, certain municipalities in Northern Crete, Southern Peloponnese and Chalkidiki, all popular summer destinations, are facing serious threats to their social and environmental balance and consequently to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from the intensification of human activities. Those areas should be the focus of the local development plans of the country, in order to avoid further adverse impacts on the local population and the environment. • Increased MNTL was associated with urban activities. • Increased NTL trend corresponds to areas all over Greece. • Increased NTL trend corresponds to human activities and infrastructure development.