Improving AOD Algorithm Evaluation: A Spatial Matching Method for Minimizing Quality Control Bias

Satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) products from MODIS and VIIRS sensors are vital for monitoring global aerosol distributions. However, inconsistencies in quality control algorithms and spatial resolution introduce errors that complicate validation processes and reduce the accuracy of satellite-to-ground comparisons. This study proposes the “optimal” spatial matching method to minimize these errors and enable a more accurate evaluation of retrieval algorithm performance. Using AERONET ground observations from 2012 to 2021, MODIS and VIIRS AOD products were systematically validated with three spatial matching methods—“direct”, “average”, and “optimal”. Results demonstrate that the “optimal” method consistently outperformed the other methods by selecting pixel values. The study highlights significant quality control disparities across AOD products and demonstrates that high-resolution products, with purer pixels, achieve superior accuracy under the “optimal” method. These insights provide valuable guidance for optimizing dataset applications and refining aerosol retrieval algorithms.