Getting Down to Earth - Are Satellites Reliable for Measuring Air Pollutants That Cause Mortality in Low-and Middle-Income Countries?

Jul 19, 2026

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Examines whether satellite observations can reliably measure air pollutants linked to mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Reviews approaches for combining satellite-derived signals with ground-level monitoring, then details quality-assurance procedures that address data availability and accuracy. Presents daily city-scale monitoring use cases, including initial satellite product testing and guidance on where satellite performance is strongest, concluding with evidence-based recommendations for implementation and evaluation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages195

Reading Time8 h 11 min

Preface

About This Work

Acknowledgments

Executive Summary

Abbreviations

Glossary

CHAPTER 1 Contextual Background and Objectives

CHAPTER 2 Introduction

Report methodology

Outline of this report

CHAPTER 3 Literature Review of Approaches Used to Combine Satellite Observations with Ground-Level Monitoring in Urban Areas

Retrieval of AOD from satellite observations of reflected solar radiation

The translation of AOD to ground-level PM2.5 concentrations

Combining satellite PM2.5 estimates and GLM data into high-resolution grids centered on selected cities

CHAPTER 4 Quality-Assurance Procedures in Low-and Middle-Income Countries

Issues affecting the availability and accuracy of GLM data in LMICs

Using automated scripts to flag potentially incorrect GLM data

Examining metadata, warning files, and operator logs

CHAPTER 5 Using Satellite Data for Daily, City-Scale PM2.5 Monitoring

Initial testing of satellite products in selected cities

Identifying the type of cities where satellites work best

CHAPTER 6 Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusions

Recommendations

Appendix A Literature Review

Appendix B Converting Satellite Aerosol Optical Depth to Ground-Level PM2.5

Appendix C Evaluation of Satellite Approaches

Appendix D Quality Considerations

Getting Down to Earth Are Satellites Reliable for Measuring Air Pollutants That Cause Mortality in Low-and Middle-Income Countries? INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FOCUS Getting Down to Earth Are Satellites Reliable for Measuring Air Pollutants That Cause Mortality in Low-and Middle-Income Countries? © 2022 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org)[ ](Internet: www.worldbank.org)Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 25 24 23 22 Books in this series are published to communicate the results of World Bank research, analysis, and operational experience with the least possible delay. The extent of language editing varies from book to book. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute, imply, or be considered tobe a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) [http://](http://)[ ](http://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under the Creative Commons Attribution license](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under the Creative Commons Attribution license), you are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this work, including for commercial purposes, under the following conditions: Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: World Bank. 2022. Getting Down to Earth: Are Satellites Reliable for Measuring Air Pollutants That Cause Mortality in Low-and Middle-Income Countries? International Development in Focus. Washington, DC: World Bank. doi:10. 1596/978-1-4648-1727-4. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO Translations—If you create a translation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This translation was not created by The World Bank and should not be considered an official World Bank translation. The World Bank shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation. Adaptations—If you create an adaptation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by The World Bank. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the author or authors of the adaptation and are not endorsed by The World Bank. Third-party content—The World Bank does not necessarily own each component of the content contained within the work. The World Bank therefore does not warrant that the use of any third-party-owned individual component or part contained in the work will not infringe on the rights of those third parties. The risk of claims resulting from such infringement rests solely with you. If you wish to re-use a component ofthe work, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that re-use and to obtain permission from the copyright owner. Examples of components can include, but are not limited to, tables, figures, or images. All queries on rights and licenses should be add

FAQs

What central question does the report address?

Whether satellites are reliable for measuring air pollutants that cause mortality in low- and middle-income countries.

How does the report connect satellite observations to ground-level pollution metrics?

It reviews methods for retrieving aerosol optical depth from satellites, translating it to ground-level PM2.5, and integrating satellite estimates with ground monitoring data in city-scale grids.

What measures are discussed to ensure data quality in low- and middle-income countries?

The report covers procedures addressing the availability and accuracy of ground-level monitoring data, including automated scripts to flag problematic data and checks of metadata, warning files, and operator logs.

Jul 19, 2026

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