Urban land area (sq. km)

This metric quantifies the expanse of developed land in square kilometers, derived from an integration of population statistics, settlement locations, and nighttime illumination data. By identifying regions with sustained light emissions or establishing urban boundaries around densely populated settlement points, the measure indicates areas classified as urban if they house populations exceeding 5,000 individuals. This approach not only provides insights into urbanization patterns and growth trends but also serves as a valuable tool for urban planning, resource allocation, and understanding socio-economic dynamics in various regions. The combination of light exposure and demographic data enriches our comprehension of urban sprawl, infrastructure development, and potential environmental impacts within these metropolitan zones. Source: