In addition, we are also very interested in understanding the drivers of spatial variation and what can be done to reduce air pollution where levels are elevated.

In order to assess this variability with observations, we need much lower cost measurement devices. Linda George: The PSU STAR Lab has been interested in exploring and understanding urban air pollution for the last decade. Methods to add attachments to the city’s streetlights and traffic signals, which will all help to inform additional citywide policies and guidelines.Management and analysis of data collected across multiple locations in real time.The deployment of a distributed sensor network or Internet of Things (IoT) project in the public right-of-way.Co-locating different types of sensors at three signalized intersections on a major urban arterial roadway.įinally, this project also serves as a pilot for:.Co-locating sensors together at an Oregon Department of Environmental Quality urban ambient monitoring station.Testing sensors against known concentrations of gases and particles in the Sustainable Atmospheres Research (STAR) Lab at Portland State University (PSU).The pilot involves three types of co-located deployments: Can they be used to identify relative differences in air pollution between locations? Or assess pollution levels before and after construction projects in the roadway or built environment? Or can they help identify where additional resources should be invested for air pollution monitoring with higher-grade instruments? Using multiple types of co-located deployments in our project design allows us to better understand the limitations and uses of the type of data achievable from lower-cost devices. The City of Portland Air Quality Sensor Device Pilot is testing new models of more affordable air quality sensors to see if they can provide reliable air quality data from the roadside environment.

As a first step, we wanted to explore the uses of sensors, recognizing the current technology limitations.

Nist global cities team challenge