Following the successful deployment of AirSENCE™- air quality monitoring system in the cities of Mississauga and Oshawa, Toronto’s King Street, and the 2015 Pan Am Games, A.U.G. Signals Ltd. (AUG) has begun a project to develop and evaluate sensor-based methods for utilizing geospatial air quality data for Canada’s future smart cities.

The project is funded by GeoConnections and aims to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of collecting, sharing and presenting Geographical Information System (GIS) data using a network of air quality sensor monitors located near roads across the City of Mississauga, as well using mobile sampling devices in the City of Toronto. Air quality sensor data will be continuously collected using AUG’s AirSENCE™ air quality monitors.

The results of this project will demonstrate the viability of using emerging sensors in future smart cities as tools to help develop Canada’s geospatial data infrastructure. More specifically, it will enable and encourage the adoption of CGDI for the study of environmental exposure and resulting health impacts.

AirSENCE™ is an innovative, compact and affordable air monitoring device that gives real-time, 24×7 air quality information. With novel, unique and cost-effective technology, it provides pollutant concentrations that can be used to assess population exposure and health effects caused by ambient air pollution.