Refined mapping of ethnic minority population under the fusion of nighttime light data and multisource data

Understanding population distribution and ethnic composition is essential for formulating effective regional development plans, providing insights into the evolutionary characteristics of populations, unraveling historical human heritage, and fostering cultural integration. The Dehong Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, stands out not only for its concentration of various ethnic minorities but also for its proximity to Myanmar. Utilizing toponymic data, night-time light data, demographic data, and census data, we meticulously visualized the spatial distribution and temporal changes of five indigenous ethnic minority groups (IEG), namely the Dai, Jingpo, Deang, Lisu, and Achang ethnic groups. This comprehensive approach allows us to delve deeper into the distribution index to gain profound insights into each IEG group. We found that Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups are almost ubiquitous throughout the study area, while other IEG exhibit distinct regional distribution characteristics. The existence of multiple minorities in economically developed area shows a phenomenon of cohabitation, and the widespread distribution of Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups facilitates communication and exchanges between different aggregation areas. This study holds immense significance in fostering cross-cultural exchanges, safeguarding and perpetuating minority cultures, promoting the sustainable development of minority communities, and advancing the application of remote sensing through nighttime lights.