Remote Sensors Applied to the Study of Chronic Diseases in the Environment Through Analysis of Atmospheric Pollutants. Case Studies: Quito, Ecuador (Phase 1)

This project focuses on the advanced application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) to address Geo-environment and Geo-health issues in Quito, Ecuador. The main objective is to overcome the limitations of previous epidemiological studies, which relied on predetermined processed variables, by accurately deducing atmospheric pollutants from satellite imagery. The methodology involves exhaustive literature review, collection, and validation of georeferenced information and data from air monitoring stations. Environmental indices will be calculated and calibrated using selected satellite images, adjusted via specific algorithms. Subsequently, mathematical and geostatistical algorithms will be implemented and tested in specialized software for environmental modeling. Finally, the most suitable risk model correlating atmospheric pollution with respiratory diseases will be analyzed, validating the results through geostatistical analysis and the publication of three scientific articles in SCOPUS-indexed journals.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To estimate air pollutants in Quito, Ecuador, using remote sensing data and analyze their correlation with chronic respiratory diseases in the population.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Evaluation and mitigation of environmental impact