Satellite-assisted Management of Air Quality

Introduction to SMAQ

The SMAQ project aims at the development of an integrated system for efficient assessment, monitoring and management of air pollution in the larger area of Western Macedonia in Greece - an area with major lignite-fired power plants. This integrated air quality management system will employ state-of-the-art technologies for fusing the necessary environmental and ancillary information to allow for cost-effective air pollution monitoring and assessment. Furthermore, the system will allow the analytical accounting of the main industrial and area emission sources in the area and the creation of a precise and updated emissions inventory. On the basis of the environmental information included in the air pollution management system, alternative emission scenarios corresponding to specific technological options and air quality management policy measures at the local and regional level will be assessed. A comprehensive system of air pollution monitoring combining ground-based measurements from an optimally configured measurement network and air pollution indicators derived from satellite remote sensing will allow the continuous monitoring and assessment of air quality in the area. Finally, a well-designed bio monitoring campaign and epidemiological data relating to effects of airborne pollutants on human health in the area will be used to support a comprehensive assessment of the effects of regional air pollution on human health, and, consequently, on the local and regional economy.

Duration:
Start: October 2005.
End: March 2009.