With constant exposure to adulterated air endangering the health of those who live with it, Google decided a couple of years ago to make more use of those Street View cars as they tour U.S. roads, fitting them with devices that gather pollution data.
Google Street View cars are going to measure pollution in Amsterdam in a joint project with the city council and the University of Utrecht. The Google Street View cars will be tasked with the important responsibility of monitoring the air quality in Amsterdam.
Two cars will be equipped with sensors that will pick up the amounts of nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine dust particulates, and black carbon in the air in each street. Utrecht University scientists will plan the driving route and lead the data validation for analysis. The analysis will help scientists to have better insights for the public to spread awareness about air pollution and help people take action.
The hope is that the project will generate hyperlocal data to effect change when it comes to policy. The city of London isn’t just tackling the air monitoring initiative but Amsterdam too. Ultimately, this study could help to improve air quality for hundreds of millions of city residents in the world over.
