Citizair – visualize air data

In the CitizAir project, KTH, SLB-analys and Public & Science Sweden are working together with the Stockholmers to make air data visible. On their mobiles, screens and on lightboards around the city, residents will be able to see which route through the city has the best air quality. The goal of CitizAir is to create an interactive augmented reality, which connects up-to-date air data and information screens in the urban environment with an app in Stockholmers’ mobile phones.

The residents of Stockholm, together with other stakeholders, researchers at KTH and SLB-analys, will be involved in designing the new visualization tool. An important point of departure for the project is to start from Stockholmers’ views, knowledge and needs. The project started at the end of 2021 and in 2025 it will be possible to see the quality of Stockholm’s air on interactive screens around the city.

The two air pollutants that affect Stockholmers’ health the most are nitrogen dioxide and microparticles (PM10, particles whose diameter is less than 10 micrometers). Therefore, the levels of these pollutants should be shown and visualized locally, where the levels are measured.

Through the CitizAir app residents may interact with real time air quality data and make informed decisions about which route to take, which areas of town to avoid when going for a walk or which mode of transport they should choose. In the long run, they will also be better equipped to be able to discuss and themselves influence decisions and policies relating to the environment and urban planning. The app can be used to visualize the air quality (including pollen) within the greater Stockholm area and is available both in Swedish and English.

Download the app and test it!

The CitizAir app is available for download via Appstore and will soon also be released at Google Play. During the European Researchers’ Night festivities – ForskarFredag Science Festival on 27-28 September you will be able to test the app and play the game ”Clean the Stockholm Air”. On 27 September you will find us at the University Center AlbaNova (Vetenskapens hus) and on 28 September you are welcome to test the CitizAir app at the science center The Cell close to the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm.

Everything that is developed within CitizAir will be published openly and be possible to use in other cities and parts of the world. In this way, the project contributes to the sustainable development of cities and urban life and to several of the global sustainability goals.

The project is financed by the research council Formas.

Project partners

• Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (Coordinator)
• SLB-analys, Miljöförvaltningen, Stockholm City
• Public & Science Sweden