Satellite Data for County-Scale Comparisons of Air Pollution

Goal

For regulatory purposes, the Environmental Protection Agency maintains a network of advanced air pollution monitors to measure concentrations of air pollutants which vary over time and space. Regulatory-grade monitors are expensive, causing many counties to lack monitors. However, satellite data can offer spatially continuous measurements. Our goal is to apply satellite-derived fine particulate matter data to support air quality analysis in both counties with and without monitors, to better compare exposure between counties.

Objectives

  • Advance methodology to support spatial analysis of fine particulate matter in areas with and without regulatory grade monitors, using publicly available satellite data products.
  • Compare publicly available satellite data products, allocated to the county-scale, and county-scale metrics derived from monitor data
  • Assess the distribution of fine particulate matter through a county ranking system in three-year averages to capture the nature of design values that are used for regulation

    • Funding Partners:

    NASA

    Timeline:

    2022-Present

    Tools:

    Publicly available satellite data products

    Core Team Members:

    Tracey Holloway, Colleen Heck, Lizzy Kysela