Population Estimation for

Canyon City, Colorado

Nighttime Image Population Density

Population Estimate Error

Discussion

The scatterplot and regression equation generated from the Canyon City data are shown below.

canyonpd = -12.02 + 5.13 (canyonnight) ; p value<.0001

The model underestimates the population density in city centers of Canyon City and Florence, and overestimates both east of Canyon City and south of Florence. These overestimations could be due to the large prison populations in these areas. The lighting of Highway 50 could account for some of the other areas that were overestimated by the regression model.

Map of Canyon City

There is a positive relationship between the population density and the nighttime light emissions. The regression equation accounts for 5.6% of the variability in the data.

The study area includes Canyon City plus the

towns of Florence and Penrose. Canyon City

and Florence both have downtown business

areas, while Penrose is more agricultural and

residential. Highway 50 is well lit between

these communities, one reason they probably

clustered together on the nighttime imagery.

There are several correctional institutions in

this area, 2 are located east of Canyon City and

1 is south of Florence. There is also an airport

north of Florence.