Context:

Land use regression

LUR is based on the principle that pollutantconcentrations at any location depend on the environmental characteristics of the surrounding area - particularly those that influence or reflect emissionintensity and dispersion efficiency. Modellingis done by constructing multiple regression equations describing the relationship between measured concentrations at a sample of monitoringlocations, and relevant environmental variables computed, using GIS, for zones of influence around each site. The resulting equation is then used to predict concentrations at unmeasured locations on the basis of these predictor variables. Prediction can be done either for specific point locations (e.g. residential addresses) or for a fine grid; in the latter case, a raster map of the study area can thereby be generated, and intersected with area-level population datato estimate the exposuredistribution.

More:
http://www.integrated-assessment.eu/guidebook/land_use_regression