Developing a UV climatology for public health purposes using satellite data

The effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on life Earth differ greatly. While overexposure to UV rays is harmful, small amounts exposure are necessary for the synthesis Vitamin D and good health. To optimize individual UV, it therefore crucial use data sources representative entire populations realistically accounting various influencing factors. A climatology Switzerland based satellite has been developed provide risk estimates at population level. An algorithm generating ground-based estimate transformed from visible wavelength domain by adapting both a clear-sky transfer model cloud modification factor using imagery. allows computation global erythemal irradiance spatial resolution 1.5 – 2 km an hourly temporal over fifteen years. validation, conducted with measurements three meteorological stations ten years, showed that expanded uncertainty low UVI values (UVI < 3) about ± 0.3, while high > 6) can go up 1.5. In situation, in range 10–15%. visualise potential regional national scale. National prevention intervention could new strategies better focus tailor available researches. versatility extraction goal studies it. Further tailored analysis will be exploit this wide environmental occupational health applications. Its development was focused Switzerland, but techniques used extended globally.