Sensors selected to aid urban planning, smart infrastructure and intelligent transport systems

EarthSense has been selected for the Live Labs SIMULATE (Smart Infrastructure and Mobility Urban Laboratory and Test Environment) programme that identifies innovative solutions to poor air quality.

The project oversees 23 static Zephyr® sensors installed on lighting posts throughout three areas in the English county of Staffordshire experiencing high levels of air pollution. Data from the deployed sensors will be complemented by modelled air quality data integrated from EarthSense’s MappAir® software to provide a holistic view of air pollution.

The project, part of the UK’s Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) Live Labs programme, involves leaders Staffordshire County Council, Amey, the Connected Places Catapult and Keele University, and is funded by the Department of Transport.

Managing Director at EarthSense, Tom Hall said: “Our complete air quality service, from monitoring to modelling technology, allows for a more detailed and accurate view of air pollution for the whole county.

“Having this insight helps to identify the link between the way we travel and the impact on local pollution levels. This data will then be used to aid the implementation of intelligent transport systems and infrastructure to help reduce air pollution and ensure those living in Staffordshire are breathing cleaner air.”

Zephyr® and MappAir® data will be disseminated through EarthSense’s new MyAir® web app, providing a platform to interrogate air quality data before, during and post interventions. Amey will trial and test innovations in air quality and mobility to influence future decisions on how to efficiently build smart infrastructure and intelligent transport with the view to scale successful interventions when appropriate.

Results will be further tested in live test beds and monitored by Staffordshire County Council, Amey, ADEPT, the Connected Places Catapult and Keele University.

Using Zephyr® sensors for the project provides quantified insight into real-time, localised air quality for harmful pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (NO) and particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5. Incorporating sensor data with MappAir® modelling will provide validated, high accuracy insight into pollution sources and trends to inform relevant mitigations.

Business Director for Transport Infrastructure at Amey, David Ogden said: “The SIMULATE programme is an excellent opportunity to discover and grow innovations that could have significant impact in the future of mobility and air quality management.

“I’m delighted that EarthSense has been successfully selected as one of our partners to monitor air quality. I’m excited to work with them to understand further their capabilities, innovations and expertise that will have a both a positive impact for the SIMULATE programme and residents in Staffordshire,” he added.