Satellite data to support air quality assessment and management

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Atmospheric science
• Remote sensing

Background:

• Satellite data are recognized for air quality applications, with rapid growth driven by new geostationary satellites and improved algorithms.
• Machine learning advances enhance near-surface pollution estimates, increasing interest among air quality managers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review satellite data applications in air quality management under the Clean Air Act.
• To summarize satellite products, progress in deriving surface-level air quality information, and their use in management.

Main Methods:

• Review of satellite data applications over the last 15 years.
• Focus on proven applications relevant to air quality management and health assessments.

Main Results:

• Satellite applications for PM2.5 and NO2 are successful in health risk assessment and emissions inventory.
• Satellite data aid in tracking short- and long-term trends with regulatory relevance.
• Applications include informing epidemiological studies, evaluating regulatory models, and improving air quality forecasting.

Conclusions:

• Satellite data offer significant value for air quality management and health assessments.
• Co-developed solutions between researchers and practitioners promise continued improvements.
• Barriers to satellite data use in air quality management persist but are being addressed.