'iSPEX-EU' is a large-scale project that allows EU citizens to use their smartphones to monitor air quality. In recent years, the EU has launched various initiatives to track and measure atmospheric conditions. This project allows citizens to take part in the process of measuring pollution simply by using their smartphones.
iSPEX-EU is a six week project that runs until October 15th. Citizens interested in taking part simply need a spectropolarimeter that can be attached to the lens of their phone's camera. The device works in conjunction with a provided app to help citizen monitor air quality. The device relies on pictures to measure light spectrum, polarization and direction. The data is then used to track different atmospheric pollutants.
The project demonstrates how citizen-sourced data can be used to complement official government data and provide a more clear picture of environmental conditions.
Mobile Atmospheric Trackers
This Initiative Allows EU Citizens to Monitor Air Quality
Trend Themes
1. Consumer-generated Pollution Data - iSPEX-EU demonstrates the potential for consumer-generated data to complement official government data in tracking environmental conditions.
2. Mobile Spectropolarimeters for Pollution Monitoring - The use of mobile spectropolarimeters for pollution monitoring offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the air quality monitoring industry.
3. Crowdsourcing for Environmental Monitoring - Crowdsourcing for environmental monitoring presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to harness the power of citizen-sourced data for more accurate insights on pollution levels.
Industry Implications
1. Air Quality Monitoring - The iSPEX-EU project highlights the need for innovation in the air quality monitoring industry to improve data accuracy.
2. Smartphone Accessories - The development of spectropolarimeters as smartphone accessories for pollution monitoring presents an opportunity for innovation in the smartphone industry.
3. Environmental Technology - Crowdsourcing for environmental monitoring presents an opportunity for startups in the environmental technology industry to develop new solutions for pollution tracking.