In-use stock analysis using satellite nighttime light observation data

Nighttime light observation data are considered an economic indicator because of their strong correlation with such aspects of human activity as population, gross domestic product (GDP) and electricity consumption. We are developing an in-use stock analysis method that uses nighttime light observation data. In this study, we developed new sets of data for 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2006 with which to analyze temporal changes. The relationship between the in-use stock of copper and the net amount of nighttime light were correlated. The result shows that this analysis method can be used for evaluating the in-use stock in an area where statistical data are incomplete. We used the approach to estimate the in-use stocks of copper in Asian countries. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.