In the heart of Türkiye, a groundbreaking study is shedding light on the delicate balance between urban heritage preservation and sustainable lighting planning. Researchers, led by Orhun Soydan from the University of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy, have developed a GIS-based framework that promises to revolutionize how cities approach nighttime illumination, with significant implications for surrounding agricultural areas.
The study, published in the journal ‘Buildings’, focuses on Niğde, a city rich in cultural heritage. By integrating high-resolution satellite imagery, digital elevation models, and municipal data, the team created a comprehensive map of the city’s lighting needs. “We wanted to ensure that our lighting plans respect the city’s cultural heritage while also promoting sustainability,” Soydan explains. The researchers identified five key spatial criteria: land cover, parks, protected heritage assets, population distribution, and government institutions. These were analyzed using supervised mapping, visibility analysis, and architectural integrity assessments.
The results were striking. Priority zones for lighting were concentrated in the historic core, where cultural landmarks, central parks, and high-density residential areas overlap. This targeted approach not only enhances the city’s cultural identity but also reduces unnecessary energy use and light pollution. “Our goal is to create a nighttime environment that is both functional and respectful of the city’s unique character,” Soydan adds.
For the agriculture sector, the implications are significant. By minimizing light pollution in peripheral agricultural and rural zones, the study ensures that these areas remain conducive to farming activities. Reduced light pollution can benefit nocturnal pollinators and other wildlife, contributing to healthier ecosystems and, by extension, more sustainable agricultural practices.
The study’s methodology is robust, with field verification and expert consultation demonstrating an 82% correspondence between modeled and observed priority and visibility patterns. A structured nighttime audit and ecological checklist further grounded the findings, providing empirical data on lighting sufficiency, glare risks, and biodiversity considerations.
Looking ahead, this research offers a replicable workflow that aligns with international standards such as CIE 150:2017 and IES RP-8-18. Future work may incorporate dynamic population mobility, AHP-based weighting, and adaptive smart-lighting systems to scale the methodology across similar medium-sized heritage cities. As urban areas continue to grow, the need for balanced, context-specific lighting solutions will only increase. This study provides a blueprint for achieving that balance, ensuring that cities can preserve their cultural heritage while promoting sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
The lead author, Orhun Soydan, is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy in Burdur, Turkey. This innovative approach not only enhances urban living but also sets a precedent for sustainable development in heritage cities worldwide.