Understanding Air Sensor Data
Air sensors provide the means to collect more air quality measurements both spatially and at higher time resolution. But, there will always be a need to put those measurements into context by learning how to ensure good quality data, harmonize it with other air quality data sources (e.g., regulatory monitors and satellite measurements), and interpret it to create a complete and consistent picture of air quality conditions. The resources provided on this page help users learn about the various kinds of air quality data, how sensor data can be in combined with other data sources, about the tools available to help manage and analyze sensor data.
Educational Video Series
EPA has developed an educational video series describing how the Agency collects and uses air quality data, how air quality health risks are communicated, and how to interpret data collected using air sensors.
Videos on Air Sensor Measurement, Data Quality and Interpretation (also available in Spanish)
Air Sensor Data Tools
Air sensors, especially networks of air sensors, can produce large volumes of data that must be wrangled, harmonized, processed, and visualized to help users gain insights into the air quality data collected. A number of organizations are engaged in creating free and open-sourced tools that make it easier to work with large datasets.
Technical Approaches for the Sensor Data on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
EPA and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) show data from select air sensors on the Fire and Smoke Map, located on AirNow.gov. Often, out-of-the-box, sensor data are not comparable to data from regulatory-grade monitors. In order to make the data more comparable to other data sources on this map, quality control checks and data correction may be needed. EPA developed a series of quality control checks and an extended U.S.-wide correction equation for PurpleAir sensor data before it is displayed on the Fire and Smoke Map.
Technical Approaches for the Sensor Data on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
Air Quality Information Exchange Workgroup Meeting Summaries
Summaries of the Air Quality Information Exchange Workgroup meetings are available, along with presentation overviews and conclusions.
Air Quality Information Exchange Workgroup Meeting Summaries
Resources for Data Management and Analysis
EPA has developed two resources to support organizations in managing and analyzing sensor data.