Description
Poor air quality is a global public health concern, contributing to millions of premature deaths each year, while also harming the environment and the economy. In this training, you will learn the fundamental concepts of how air quality can be studied using remote sensing.
You will learn which air pollutants can be observed from space, basic principles about how these observations are made, and the general advantages and limitations of using remote sensing to study air quality. You will review examples of how air quality has been studied with remote sensing. Then you will practice using free online tools to access, analyze, and visualize NASA remote sensing data relevant for understanding air quality.
NOTE: If you do not already have an account for the ARSET learning management system, you will be prompted to create a free account before you can take this training.
Prerequisites
We suggest participants have the foundational knowledge presented in Fundamentals of Remote Sensing (training).
Objectives
- Explore why studying and monitoring air quality is important, and how satellite remote sensing measurements provide unique advantages.
- Identify which air pollutants can be observed from space and how they help us understand air quality.
- Explore how satellite sensor measurements of spectral radiation are used to derive common geophysical parameters relevant to air quality.
- Examine the range of data products available for studying air quality, as illustrated by diverse case study examples.
- Recognize common strengths and weaknesses of using remote sensing for air quality applications.
- Use a web tool to access and view air quality remote sensing data products for selected regions and timeframes.
Target Audience
- Beginner remote sensing users with an interest in air quality and public health
- Professional air quality managers and public health experts who are new to remote sensing
- College and graduate school students
- Community scientists concerned about air quality
- Leaders/advocates who inform investment/budgets for air quality studies
Course Format
- 2 hours of self-paced online training
- Earn a certificate for successful completion