Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Stunning 3D air pollution map


Did you know you can now see air pollution around the world in 3D? AirVisual Earth is the first 3D air pollution map that allows each of us to spin the globe, zoom in and out, and toggle between combined PM2.5 and weather data. Or you can see wind patterns and track the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels across the planet via vivid color-coded heat mapping. This is seriously cool stuff! Click here to see for yourself. (You might have to reload it a couple of times if the system is being overloaded with visits.)

According to Kelsey Duska, AirVisual Project Lead, "AirVisual Earth was developed to allow people to meaningfully relate to the air pollution problem. In visualizing pollution concentrations, we aim to clearly show the effect that our everyday emissions are having on the planet's health, as well as our own."

Generated from satellite imagery and data reported by over 10,000 monitoring stations, the map is mesmerizing. You just might find yourself staring at it for long periods of time.



By incorporating their own network of monitoring stations, AirVisual has become the first and only platform to provide valuable air quality data for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Cambodia, and the Philippines. The data spans 8,000 key cities in over 60 countries and is accessible to program developers via AirVisual's newly launched Application Program Interface (API). It is the first to provide historical and forecast data, alongside real-time data.

"By providing developers access to AirVisual's extensive database, we're planting the seed for innovations to come," explains Duska.

This is exciting stuff, folks! The future in which buildings optimize air purification systems; where maps recommend the least polluted path; and cities adjust emissions based on air quality forecasts -- is here. And I couldn't be happier!

So tell me... how long did you, or your kids, stare at the 3D air pollution map? I'd love to know!





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