Abstract: Using MODIS-derived aerosol data,temporal variation and spatial distribution of aerosol optical depth(AOD) during 2003-2008 over Hubei province was investigated based on GIS.SOM(self-organizing maps) and linear models were used to analyze the relationships between AOD and population density,per capita gross industrial output value,forest coverage.The results were as follows: high AOD values were observed in central south areas with lower elevation,larger population density,higher per capita gross industrial output value,lower forest coverage,while low values,in western,northeast and southeast,were contrary.Distribution of seasonal average AOD and η(fine-mode fraction) vary from each other.Monthly average AOD rises substantially in winter-spring season and drops sharply in spring-winter season.Two models were both showing that AOD distribution is positively related with population density,per capita gross industrial output value,and negatively with forest coverage.