A temporally consistent global 500&thinsp;m-resolution monthly VIIRS-like nighttime light dataset (1992–2024)

Cheng, Hongquan; Geng, Mengqing; Li, Xuecao; Li, Shijie; Zhao, Min; Lin, Chen; Wang, Jie; Gong, Peng; Zhou, Yuyu

doi:10.5194/essd-18-3449-2026

Articles | Volume 18, issue 5

https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-3449-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-3449-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 18, issue 5

Data description article

|

21 May 2026

Data description article |

| 21 May 2026

A temporally consistent global 500 m-resolution monthly VIIRS-like nighttime light dataset (1992–2024)

Hongquan Cheng, Mengqing Geng, Xuecao Li, Shijie Li, Min Zhao, Chen Lin, Jie Wang, Peng Gong, and Yuyu Zhou

Data sets

The World's First Long-Term Global 500 m-Resolution Monthly VIIRS Nighttime Lights Dataset (1992–Present) Hongquan Cheng et al. https://doi.org/10.25442/hku.31321315

Model code and software

NightNet Hongquan Cheng et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20134096

Short summary

Monthly records of nighttime light are scarce, especially over long periods, yet they are vital for tracking short-term economic shifts and seasonal urban change. This study provides a temporally consistent global 500 m-resolution monthly VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite)-like nighttime light dataset (1992–2024). By combining DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) and VIIRS through reconstruction and correction, a consistent long-term record is created. The dataset supports improved analysis of urban growth and economic activity worldwide.