Dobbins JLUS IMP Public Draft Light Pollution Study | Page 11
Chapter 1. Introduction
What is the Lighting Study?
The Dobbins Air Reserve Base (ARB) Lighting Study was commissioned
by Cobb County to implement one of the recommendations from the
Dobbins ARB Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) completed in 2015. Areas of
concern for light pollution were determined based on the flying mission at
Dobbins ARB, which use night vision goggles (NVG) to enhance viewing
during nighttime operations. While some nighttime lighting is considered
“cultural” and simulates lighting found in real‐world combat environments,
night lighting can also impact the effectiveness of night vision equipment for
flight training. The quality of ambient lighting environment surrounding
Dobbins ARB has resulted in performing night training at other installations,
such as Fort Benning, located approximately 100 miles southwest of
Dobbins ARB.
Light pollution is created by the artificial brightening of sky caused by
development, including street lights and other man‐made sources.
According the International Dark Sky Association, light pollution has the
following components:
Glare –the excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort
Skyglow – the brightening of the night sky of inhabited areas
Light trespass – when light falls where it is not intended or needed
In order to propose recommended lighting improvements in the area
surrounding Dobbins ARB, it was necessary to conduct this light pollution
study (Study) to:
Quantify and assess existing conditions to determine the current
extent of light pollution
Identify land uses and patterns of development that contribute to
light pollution
Identify the potential for future light pollution as a product of
growth and development
Review the regulatory framework that Cobb County and the cities of
Marietta and Smyrna have for outdoor lighting
Identify the tools and programs available to address light pollution
Tasks Involved in the Development of the Lighting Study
Cobb County contracted with Matrix Design Group, Inc (Matrix) to conduct
this Lighting Study as part of the Dobbins ARB JLUS implementation. There
were several tasks involved in the overall development of the Study
culminating in this report:
Clutter – the bright, confusing, and excessive groupings of light
sources
Review and technical analysis of existing lighting conditions
surrounding Dobbins ARB as a baseline using Geographic
Information Systems (GIS);
March 2018
DRAFT Dobbins Air Reserve Base Light Pollution Study
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