Urban air quality: the challenge of fine-scale data collection
Air quality and microclimate in urban areas have a considerable impact on quality of life and climate adaptation.
Current measurement methods are typically limited in their capacity to provide precise data, often resulting in a lack of detail in the data sets. This is particularly problematic when attempting to capture fine-scale variations within urban structures. Satellite images offer only limited temporal resolution and are often unusable in cloudy conditions.
A precise micro-scale model for forecasting heat islands that takes buildings and solar radiation into account in detail is not widely available.
The integration of relevant transport sector data poses a particular challenge. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions for comprehensive, high-resolution data collection.
As integral part of the project, a state-of-the-art mobile measuring network is being established in the german city of Aachen. This innovative network consists of high-precision sensors mounted on cargo bikes, offering unparalleled mobility and precision in data collection. These devices are utilised to record fine dust pollution, asphalt surface temperatures and ozone levels in real time, a function that is particularly important on hot days.
The data collected is used to identify hotspots for air pollutants and urban heat islands, support sustainable mobility decisions through intuitive route recommendations and offer innovative approaches for urban planning and adaptation to climate change.
All of the data obtained is made available as open data, serving as a sound basis for decision-making in science, administration and the public sector.
How cargo bikes become a data source
They are equipped with special sensors that can precisely and time-accurately measure particulate matter, temperature and ozone at a local level. These mobile measurements are continuously compared with stationary reference measurements, satellite data, and other external data sources. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyse and forecast heat islands and air pollutants. Additionally, a user-friendly online platform is being developed to visualise the measurement data in map form. This platform will be integrated into existing digital infrastructures, such as the Mobilithek and the city of Aachen's mobility dashboard.
Participation and Open Data
The project actively involves citizens through participation formats and user surveys. This increases acceptance and raises awareness of the challenges involved. All collected data is openly available to enable its use by different stakeholders, promoting further applications in science and administration. In this way, the SchwarmMessRad project makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of urban areas and adaptation to climate change.
