Drones to tackle smog problem

The measurements allow to create visualisations and maps of the emissions for selected locations and use the obtained data to provide better understanding of the formation, movement and concentration of smog clouds, as well as to forecast their occurrence. The entire system is to operate under the name of Aviation Atmospheric Monitoring (LMA).

“The idea originated from the lack of a coherent and comprehensive approach to the problem of smog. Sensors in cities are usually placed at random. This approach is drawing criticism, especially from the local communities, for placing sensors in ‘favourable’ locations for measurement results. On the other hand, individuals more and more often buy sensors and connect them to the community sensor system,” reports Sebastian Nowicki, the chief operating officer at Pelixar.

Pelixar’s idea attempts to solve this problem because by making it possible to create an accurate map of pollution distribution for specific locations and thus it can be an indication for the correct placement of the sensors. “Our system in the form of Aviation Atmospheric Monitoring is a useful tool especially for cities because it facilitates effective counteraction of smog,” adds Sebastian Nowicki. In his opinion, one must first understand what the phenomenon is in order to successfully tackle this problem.

The Pelixar's methodology of measurements are developed as part of the Central European Drone Demonstrator governement programme and are to be used to create a universal system for measuring atmospheric pollution in Poland and in Europe in the future. At the beginning of February this year, Pelixar presented its project e.g. at an international conference in Lille, France.