 The nighttime light data collected by the VIRS sensor aboard the NOAA slash NPO satellite provides a more accurate representation of economic activity compared to the older DMSPOLS data. This is because the VIRS sensor has a much greater spectral range and spatial resolution, allowing it to detect more subtle differences in light intensity. Using this data, researchers were able to accurately predict gross domestic product, GDP, and electric power consumption, EPC, at various levels of geography. This article was authored by Kai Fengshu, by Lanyu, Isheohuang, and others.