How accurate is a poverty map based on remote sensing data? An application to Malawi

Summary

Evaluates accuracy of poverty maps derived from remote sensing data in Malawi by comparing small area estimates combining household surveys with census data against remote-sensing-only predictions. Finds correlation above 0.9 at aggregate level but lower reliability for individual small areas, concluding that such maps are adequate for comparing poverty between assemblies of areas but should be used cautiously for individual targeting.