arXiv subjects

Shoichi Otomo

Publications and source records attributed to Shoichi Otomo.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The Potential of Nighttime Light Imagery for Detailed Local Economic Analysis

This manuscript is an English translation and extended version of a paper originally published in Japanese (2022). Driven by remarkable advances in remote sensing and big data processing, spatial technologies are increasingly leveraged in economic research. While satellite nighttime light intensity is widely recognized for tracking macroeconomic parameters - such as regional GDP, employment, and population - less attention has been paid to fine-grained spatial processing methodologies for local tourism economies. This study first details a raster processing technique applied to nightlight imagery. It then focuses on Yuzawa Town (Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture), analyzing the local economy and sports/tourist attractions. Specifically, I investigate the spatio-temporal relationships between tourist arrivals and various local statistical datasets. Furthermore, this paper highlights how nightlight data can capture intra-municipal economic dynamics that remain undetectable through standard macroeconomic indicators.

cs.CY↗

arXiv2026

Correlation Between Nighttime Light and Various Statistical Indicators in Japan

This manuscript is an English translation and extended version of a paper originally published in Japanese(otomo 2021) Recent years have seen a rapid expansion in applying satellite remote sensing and big data to economic analysis. In particular, satellite-observed nighttime light intensity has proven to be closely correlated with key socio-economic indicators, including gross domestic product, employment rates, population density, and educational attainment across countries. In this paper, I first outline the methodology for calculating regional nightlight intensity across Japanese prefectures and municipalities. Next, to evaluate the versatility of nightlight data, I examine the relationship between city-level nightlight intensity and various public socio-economic metrics, using Japan as a case study. The findings suggest that nightlight intensity can serve as a effective proxy for these diverse indicators. Finally, I explore the potential of nightlight data for enabling rapid economic impact assessments during sudden social disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

cs.CY↗

arXiv2026

Analysis of Regional Disparities of Location of Sports Facilities and Sports Education Using Scientific Satellite Data

This manuscript is an English translation and extended version of a paper originally published in Japanese (Otomo, 2024). With the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) and data analysis techniques, handling massive datasets (big data) has become feasible in spatial information science. Consequently, infrastructure is being established to generate new utility value from spatial data. Furthermore, nationwide initiatives are actively promoting the use of open data - public information provided under terms allowing secondary usage. However, in developing regions and specific municipalities, local statistical data remain scarce, unreliable, or difficult to acquire. Additionally, long-standing concerns exist regarding the inherent limitations of standard macroeconomic indicators when performing cross-regional or international comparisons. Meanwhile, high-frequency satellite data has become widely accessible. Among various observational products, nightlight data has attracted significant attention due to its versatile applications. Generally, nightlight radiance correlates with urbanization. Prior work indicates that areas with larger populations and higher commercial development display higher radiance, whereas public infrastructure - such as sanitation systems and healthcare facilities - shows little correlation with nightlight intensity (Otomo, 2021). Building on these findings, this paper analyzes the relationship between nightlight data and the spatial distribution of sports facilities, the evolution of the fitness industry, and regional environmental disparities in sports access. The analysis confirms that the spatial distribution patterns of sports facilities differ significantly between the public and private sectors.

cs.CY↗