Expansion of urban area in the Yellow River Zone, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, from DMSP OLS nighttime lights data

Maps from the version 2 defense meteorological satellite program (DMSP) operational linescan system (OLS) nighttime lights series were used to assess increases in the extents and spatial configurations of urban areas in the vicinity of the yellow river in inner Mongolia autonomous region, China, over the period 1992-2003. Lit area data were extracted and used with population and economic data to examine patterns of urban expansion at the county level. The major trends seen were a dramatic increase in urban areas, metropolization driven by economic expansion, and an important decline in urban population density that reflects increasing prosperity.