dataset: SOLAR_AEROSOL

Entura accumulated Level 3 data over 10 year period and interpolated to 5 km grid. Values of 'Deep Blue Aerosol Optical Depth' (AOT) from the MODIS Aqua data set are used in the analysis. These values are non-dimensional, with a valid range of -0.5 to +5.0 (negative readings are not physically valid but are retained for consistency of the algorithm). Typical values are between 0 and 1, with 0.0 representing clear sky; 0.0 to 0.5 representing moderate levels of aerosols; and 0.5 to 1.0 representing relatively high aerosol concentrations (typical of heavy industrialisation).Values over 1.0 are less common and represent considerable levels of aerosols). The methodology is contained within the report prepared by Entura which is downloadable here: <a href=&#09;http://er-info.dpi.vic.gov.au/publications/documentation/geovic_3/energy_division/E300128-TR01%20Solar%20Atlas%20Victoria%20(public%20release)%20with%20calibration%20certificates.pdf&#09;>Solar Atlas Report</a> <a href=&#09;http://er-info.dpi.vic.gov.au/publications/gis/energy_division/solar_aerosol.zip&#09;>Solar Atlas - Solar Aerosol Data - esri shapefile download</a> Departmental contact: Dr. Adrian Panow Director, Energy Investment Department of Primary Industries - Victoria Ph: 9658 4140 Email: Adrian.Panow@dpi.vic.gov.au