A review of Space-Air-Ground integrated remote sensing techniques for atmospheric monitoring

Currently, the three-dimensional (3D) distribution and characteristics of air pollution cannot be understood based on the application of any single atmospheric monitoring technology. Long-term, high-precision and large-scale 3D atmospheric monitoring might become practical by combining heterogeneous modern technologies; for this purpose, the Space-Air-Ground integrated system is a promising concept. In this system, optical remote sensing technologies employing fixed or mobile platforms are used as the main means for ground-based observations. Tethered balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and airborne platforms serve as the air-based observation segment. The final part, satellite remote sensing, corresponds to space-based observations. Aside from obtaining the 3D distribution of air pollution, research on emission estimation and pollution mechanisms has been extensively implemented based on the strengths of this system or some portion of it. Moreover, further research on the fusion of multi-source data, optimization of inversion algorithms, and coupling with atmospheric models is of great importance to the realization of this system.