Characterization of Urban Heat Islands Using City Lights: Insights from MODIS and VIIRS DNB Observations

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Please see attached file.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 2 Report

The article is very interesting. The examples of the analyzed cities were also well selected. I am also very positive about the data and the methods used in the manuscript.

However, I have a few recommendations for the Authors which, in my opinion, should further improve the article.
1. The Authors make a solid quantitative analysis based on the methods used. What I miss is an in-depth scientific reflection on the causes of the different picture between Beijing and Pyongyang. My intuition tells me that it may be due to economic differences or (and) urban policy. However, I would prefer to find out from the experts who study these two cities - the authors of the article.

2. I find the Discussion too general and a bit superficial. I would recommend extending it, taking into account comparisons and references to other cases in the world. You can also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your own research even more.
The earlier explanation of the differences between the economic, social and political development of both analyzed cities will certainly be helpful. In the Discussion chapter, these cities are not even mentioned by name. Readers around the world will appreciate this point.
3. Small remark: In Figure 1, the letters in explanation sentence represent the maps for Beijing, and there are no letters for Pyongyang. Maybe after the word: Pyongyang put in brackets (e, f, g, h)?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

No comments.

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors,

I am pleased to note the revised version of the article. I believe that in this form the perception of the issues presented is more favorable for the Readers.