Informal Economy and Remittance Estimates of India Using Nighttime Imagery

摘要: Accurate estimates of the magnitude and spatial distribution both formal informal economic activity have many useful applications. Developing alternative methods for making these activities may prove to be when other measures are suspect accuracy or unavailable. This research explores potential estimating economy India using known relationships between patterns nighttime satellite imagery in United States (U.S.). Regression models been developed Adjusted Official Gross State Product (AGSP) states U.S. The slope intercept parameters derived from regression were blindly applied India, resulting an underestimation Income (GSI) each state Union Territory (UT) because lower level urbanization comparison However, a estimated GSI lights image official (GSP) UTs indicates high correlation them (r = 0.93). different levels (i.e. percent population urban areas) used adjust Estimated Domestic (EGDI) by multiplying ratio percentage areas two countries. gives (AEGDI), which is compared with National (GNI) India’s UTs. results suggest that inflow remittances 150 larger than their existing GNI.