Satellite remote sensing provides information about regional air quality and long-distance transport of pollutants, which complements available groundbased data. While ground-based monitors provide the most accurate measurements of air quality at a speciƒc location in the vicinity of the monitor, satellite sensors provide data with global, consistent coverage; these measurements are combined with science-based algorithms for observation of regional pollutant concentrations. Satellite sensor data are particularly relevant to regions in Asia with few monitors or where transport of pollutants

CONTENTS

4.1 Introduction: Satellite Remote Sensing for Air Quality Monitoring .... 125 4.1.1 Brief Description of Satellite Sensors .......................................... 126 4.1.2 Examples of Satellite Sensors that Measure Air Quality ......... 128 4.1.3 Key Air Quality Applications of Satellite Sensors .................... 129

4.2 Satellite Monitoring for Particulate Matter ............................................ 130 4.3 Applications in Asia .................................................................................. 132

4.3.1 Quantitative Analysis of AOD and PM10 Relationship: Case Study in Thailand ................................................................. 133 4.3.1.1 Spatial Distribution of AOD and PM10 ......................... 133 4.3.1.2 Regression Analysis of AOD-PM10 ............................... 135

4.3.2 Semiquantitative Event Monitoring: Biomass Burning in Indonesia and Malaysia ................................................................ 141

4.3.3 Qualitative Daily Event Analysis: Regional Haze in India and Bangladesh .................................... 144

4.4 Summary and Recommendations ........................................................... 144 References ............................................................................................................. 146

may occur across oceans or remote regions. Satellite datasets are typically available at minimal or no cost to end users, making them a cost-effective resource for understanding air pollution at regional, country, and administrative levels. This chapter presents an overview of satellite sensors relevant to air quality, more detailed data for the measurement of particulate matter (PM), and case studies of quantitative and qualitative applications in Asia.