Improving EPA's AirNow Air Quality Index Maps with NASA Satellite Data

In conjunction with our partners, Sonoma Technology developed the <a href="https://asdp.airnowtech.org/" target="_blank">AirNow Satellite Data Processor (ASDP)</a href>, a suite of programs in the AirNow Information Management System. The ASDP fuses NASA satellite-estimated surface PM_2.5 concentrations with ground-based PM_2.5 measurements to create new, contoured Air Quality Index (AQI) maps. The new AQI maps provide enhanced air pollutant information in regions where monitoring is sparse.</p>

EPA’s <a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" target="_blank">AirNow program</a href> provides the public with easy access to national ambient air quality information using a health effects based scale (the AQI). AirNow presents real-time hourly AQI conditions and daily AQI forecasts by interpolating AQI levels to a grid and creating maps that cover national, regional, and local spatial scales. However, significant gaps in the coverage of ground-based PM_2.5, ozone, and NO₂ monitors prevent complete nationwide mapping of pollutant concentrations in the United States. When interpolated and contoured, AQI levels in regions far from monitors may have higher uncertainty.</p>

This work
<ul><li>Creates a method for fusing data sets from different sources that is applicable to other types of data and can be used internationally.</li>
<li>Provides air quality information in regions without monitors and enhances the air quality information in regions with monitors.</li>
<li>Provides additional air quality information for air quality forecasters and decision makers.</li></ul>