Until recently, few outside of government could afford the expensive, specialized equipment needed to measure air pollution other than well-funded scientists, whose data was typically private until after the publication of a peer-reviewed paper. Even then, when they wanted to share their data with others in the field, they could do so only on an ad-hoc basis with limited infrastructure in place to support such collaboration.<\/p>\n
Now, as scientists, cities and residents are taking advantage of new low-cost, high-quality sensors, and the amount of air quality data is growing rapidly, as is the need to store and share it. To unlock the benefits of the data for both scientists and society, it must be open and easily accessible.<\/p>\n
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Transparency drives innovation<\/h2>\n
Many of our academic partners have long expressed the desire to share their data \u2014 once they\u2019ve had the opportunity to analyze it. However, they\u2019ve lacked a platform that would allow them to do so. Similarly, donors are increasingly demanding that the data gleaned from the projects they\u2019ve funded be available for others to use and explore. By building this community, we hope people will see a benefit to not only accessing available data but sharing their own \u2014 they can ask questions of fellow air quality scientists about trends they are seeing and learn from others who may have new was of analyzing existing data.<\/p>\n
Our partner Karin Tuxen-Bettman, Program Manager for Google Earth Outreach sees value for cities and Google as well. \u201cBy adding to the Air Quality Data Commons, cities can feel confident their investments in air monitoring \u2014 whether through a fixed stationary network or city-owned vehicle fleets equipped with sensors \u2014 are creating enormous value,\u201d she says. \u201cValidated data shared on the AQDC will contribute to the larger database that Google\u2019s Environmental Insights Explorer<\/a> will pull from, enabling us to build hyperlocal air quality maps for more cities. By making this data available through a transparent process, the AQDC can accelerate action required to improve air quality.\u201d<\/p>\n We look forward to growing this group of data scientists, companies and cities sharing and analyzing data into a robust community who will contribute to the scientific knowledge base, so we can better understand air pollution problems around the world.<\/p>\n The revolution of smaller, cheaper air pollution sensors has brought us here, but the full potential of this revolution will only be realized when a larger community of scientists, cities, residents and activists use the data we collect to take action and improve local air quality. Join us by downloading our data from the AQDC<\/a>, or upload your own. We look forward to sharing and learning with you.<\/p>\n We are entering a new era of environmental innovation<\/a> that is driving better alignment between technology and environmental goals \u2014 and results. #FourthWave<\/a><\/p>\n