Inferring urban household socio-economic conditions in Mafikeng, South Africa, using high spatial resolution satellite imagery

Abstract

Updated household socio-economic information is necessary for planning the delivery of municipal services, particularly for cities in third world countries. The repetitive coverage of satellite imagery provides a possibility for sourcing and frequently updating information on household socio-economic conditions in urban landscapes. This paper examines the potential use of satellite imagery in inferring urban household socio-economic variables, using two high-resolution images of 2001 and 2010. Manual image interpretation was employed in deducing selected socio-economic variables that are utilised in census enumerations in South Africa, at four suburbs in Mafikeng. Of the three socio-economic variables that were examined (type of main dwelling, toilet facilities, and energy source for cooking), type of dwelling could more readily be deduced from the high-resolution imagery. Identified change in number of formal and informal houses indicated potential of satellite imagery in monitoring third world setting urban sprawl and the associated growth in informal settlements due to migration, among other factors. Satellite imagery appears useful as a supplementary source of socio-economic data to municipal authorities, for periods between regular censuses.