2012-2024 global nighttime light annual radiant flux based on SNPP-VIIRS

Based on the radiant flux conversion model established by Zeng et al. (2025), we present a derived dataset of global annual nighttime light radiant flux from 2012 to the present, generated using SNPP-VIIRS data. Nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing has become an important tool to study human activities and their impact on the environment. However, accurately and quantitatively measuring NTL has remained a challenge. We propose using radiant flux [Watt] as a more precise measure of NTL energy than radiance [W/m2/sr], which takes into account both radiance and image pixel area. The use of radiant flux provides a more intuitive reflection of NTL energy intensity and eliminates system error caused by variations in pixel areas. We emphasize the importance of using a quantitative measurement for NTL and highlights the potential for further evaluation of socio-economic parameters and ecological impacts using NTL radiant flux.