The effects of air pollution on cities continue to be a major public health concern, both in terms of human and economic costs.
FREMONT, CA: Big data has brought about some significant changes in our daily lives. Only some people are aware, though, that data technology is assisting in resolving environmental problems.
Significant advancements in air quality monitoring for smart cities have been made during the last five years. Big data has the power to make or break smart cities and can assist in addressing their environmental problems. When gathering information on air quality, smart cities should adhere to the following recommendations:
Boost the data resolution
Cities need to have greater data resolution to enhance air quality. This is significant because there can be large differences in the number of contaminants inside a city. As a result, communities must measure the air quality at numerous points rather than just a few.
Some communities are turning to cutting-edge technology for assistance as they struggle with the issue of air pollution. Air quality monitors are becoming more widely used and offer information on regional conditions. However, because of their narrow coverage area, these sensors leave gaps in the data. Environmental data firms increasingly use fluid dynamics algorithms to close these gaps and forecast air quality at any location. Since this technique is still developing, questions have been raised concerning its accuracy. However, it is a cheap choice combined with other techniques to improve data on air quality.
Calculate the ROI of air quality sensors
Cities can use air quality monitoring to safeguard the public's health, but funding it can take time and effort. There are numerous available air quality measuring technologies, and each has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Some technologies cost more than others, but they could also be more precise or offer more information. Technology is ultimately determined by the unique needs of the city and the available funding. Here is a useful guide for determining air quality.
ROI can be assessed in various ways: One approach is to consider the financial advantages of people not becoming sick as frequently. This includes spending less time at the doctor's office or hospital and less money on prescription drugs. Examining the annual expenses of air pollution to our economy is another way to assess ROI. In 2019, air pollution cost the US economy $900 billion, or 5 percent of GDP.
Examine fresh applications for data: Numerous creative uses can be made of the data collected by air quality sensors. For instance, the British city of Leeds has added quality sensing and geo-fencing technologies to its fleet of hybrid vehicles. As a result, when the vehicles enter locations with poor air quality, they can immediately transition to an electric-only mode. In locations where air pollution is an issue, the city's fleet of hybrid vehicles can drastically lower emissions.
Cities can take action to enhance air quality and safeguard public health by figuring out novel ways to use data from air quality sensors. Cities can also identify hotspots of fine particulate matter using data from their network of air quality sensors. They can then collaborate with locals to pinpoint pollution sources and create plans for cutting emissions.
