You can't literally see lights from space or whatever. If somewhere had less coverage on google maps you wouldn't think it's uninhabited, but for some reason, people irl seem to be constantly referring to this image as though it's a literal picture. Mostly for 'civilized' reasons, but also light pollution and just other stuff. Maybe this just made the rounds on reddit or something?
to add to @[email protected]'s comment, that region is quite far north and the image is mercator projection. the size is significantly exaggerated relative to lower latitudes, and 6 months of the year it's "nighttime" so any industrial operations will need to be well lit.
oh wow can't believe I didn't even think of the fact that its like, arctic circle territory and spends so much of the year in darkness.