A high-resolution index suitable for multi-pollutant monitoring in urban areas

In view of the problems involved in remote sensing monitoring of urban air quality, including low spatial resolution, only for a single pollutant, complex inversion algorithms, and difficultly obtaining parameter values, in this study, a new difference smog index (DSI) was developed, and then a comparison with the normal difference haze index, the difference index, and the MODIS aerosol optical depth products. The results show that the DSI model developed in this study has a higher accuracy and a better monitoring effect in urban areas, and it has a higher resolution (30 m), which greatly improves the degree of refinement of the remote sensing monitoring. The DSI model has a higher extensibility, and it is suitable for monitoring the AQI, PM_2.5, NO₂. The DSI model proposed in this paper is simple and easy to use, and thus, it has a high potential for application and deserves promotion in urban air quality monitoring.