Estimation of Income Levels in Individual Buildings Using Satellite Imagery and Household Interview Survey Data

Abstract Leaving no one behind is a worldwide goal, but it is difficult to make policy to address this issue because we do not have a thorough knowledge of where poverty exists and in what forms due to lack of data, particularly in developing countries. Here, we show a novel method for estimating income levels by building. That is effective in places that are difficult to access. The combination of high-resolution satellite imagery and household interview survey data obtained by visiting households on the ground makes it possible to estimate income levels at a detailed scale for the first time. Using the results, we can determine the number and location of poor people at the local scale. We can also identify areas with particularly high concentrations of poor people. This information enables planning and policy making for more effective poverty reduction and disaster prevention measures tailored to local conditions.