Why do we need to model air pollution?


An effective air quality management requires reliable information on ambient air pollution levels with substantial spatial and temporal coverage. Air quality data are generally available through air quality measurement campaigns; which is also an ideal database to statistically forecast, based on past experiences, what will be the pollution levels in the next 3-4 days. However, this database is not enough to explain the highs and lows, source contributions, and spatial patterns of the pollution. In this regards and in case of lesser number of monitors covering the urban airshed, forecasts based on multi-pollutant chemical transport modeling systems will help.

Methods for Reporting AQI

Download the infograph as a PDF or a GIF

The infographic presents a case with the air quality index (AQI) as one of the indicators.

  • Methodology approved by the Government of India to calculate AQI is available here
  • Reference material on how AQI is calculated across the world is available here
  • A real-time global AQI database is presented by AQICN.org

Email your questions to simair@urbanemissions.info