In this pilot study, the researchers examined how urbanization has affected environmental quality in Italy’s Po Plain (one of Europe’s most populated regions) using a wide variety of ground-based and satellite data. Data from 12 satellites, including Landsat 8, were analyzed along side data from meteorological stations, groundwater monitoring wells, river gauges, air monitoring stations, census data, and land use survey maps.
The data indicated specific correlations between urban growth and increased air and water pollution. The methodology of the POPLEX study can be replicated for different regions around the world.
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![Natural-color Landsat 8 image of an algae bloom in Lake Erie. The bloom appears green and contrasts with blue water.](https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/erie_oli_2017269-1024x576.jpg)
Be Part of What’s Next: Emerging Applications of Landsat at AGU24
Anyone making innovative use of Landsat data to meet societal needs today and during coming decades is encouraged to submit and abstract for the upcoming “Emerging Science Applications of Landsat” session at AGU24.