Fact-Check Article: "Parking lots are visible from 100km above sea level"
What We Know
The claim that "parking lots are visible from 100km above sea level" implies that features on the Earth's surface, specifically parking lots, can be discerned from an altitude of 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles). This altitude is significant as it is generally recognized as the boundary of space, known as the Karman Line.
At this altitude, the atmosphere is extremely thin, and visibility is limited due to atmospheric distortion and the curvature of the Earth. According to the Wikipedia entry on multistorey car parks, parking lots are designed for vehicle storage, but their visibility from space is not addressed.
Remote sensing technology, which can detect large features from aerial perspectives, does exist, but it typically requires specialized equipment and is not capable of distinguishing small features like parking lots from such high altitudes. A study on parking space detection using aerial data suggests that while large areas can be mapped, the resolution necessary to identify individual parking lots is not achievable from 100 kilometers above the surface (Hellekes et al., 2023).
Analysis
The claim lacks support from credible scientific sources. The Karman Line, defined as the boundary of space, indicates that at 100 kilometers, the Earth's atmosphere is so thin that visibility of surface features is severely compromised. The curvature of the Earth further limits the ability to see small features like parking lots.
While there are studies that discuss the detection of parking areas using remote sensing technology, these studies focus on lower altitudes where atmospheric conditions are more favorable for visibility. For instance, the aforementioned study by Hellekes et al. (2023) highlights the use of remote sensing for estimating parking areas, but it does not suggest that such features can be seen from the Karman Line.
Additionally, the New York Times article discussing the prevalence of parking lots in urban environments does not make any claims about visibility from high altitudes, further indicating that this assertion is unfounded.
Conclusion
The claim that parking lots are visible from 100 kilometers above sea level is False. The combination of atmospheric conditions, the curvature of the Earth, and the limitations of current remote sensing technology at such altitudes means that small features like parking lots cannot be discerned from this height.
Sources
- Parking_Design_Manual.pdf
- Taking Parking Lots Seriously, as Public Spaces
- Multistorey car park
- Across Karman FAQ | Wilson Center
- Parking space inventory from above: Detection on aerial ...
- Characteristics of Parking Lots Located along Main Roads ...
- Physical Geography Chapter 7: Post Lab Flashcards | Quizlet
- Parking lot sunsets and other suburban phenomena
