The Breathe London project combines state-of-the-art technology with new data analytics to provide Londoners with a hyperlocal visual tool showing exposure to air pollution around the city. Google Street View cars mapping air quality as part of the project are relying on technology from LI-COR Biosciences to measure London’s air pollution.

Air pollution on London roadways is mapped using specially equipped Google Street View cars.
From left: Ian Smillie, LI-COR Applications Scientist, Daniel Wilson, LI-COR Technical Sales Consultant, Nick Martin, National Physical Laboratory Senior Research Scientist, and Graham Leggett, LI-COR Sr. Scientist, Marketing.

One purpose of the project is to measure air pollution in London prior to, and after, the implementation of new low emissions zones. In these zones, high emitting vehicles will be charged a fee to enter on a daily basis. It is hoped that mapping data following these measures will reveal an improvement in air quality. 

Instruments in the Google cars were specified and fitted out by Air Monitors, using the LI-COR LI-7200 Enclosed CO2/H2O Gas Analyzer as a key component. In addition to providing a fast, accurate measurement of atmospheric CO2 concentration, the LI-7200 also provides a time synchronization reference for all other analysers installed in the vehicle. There are two such cars in the project, and London is the first of many cities planned to be mapped using this approach. The cars are operated from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s National Measurement Institute, with data analysis, validation and reporting supported by NPL and Cambridge University. Mobile measurements are complemented by a network of lower cost sensors, providing 24/7 measurement of key air pollutants across the city. CERC are also providing a city wide platform to disseminate the data to the public on the project website at www.breathelondon.org

Results to date have also revealed interesting details relating to vehicle emissions, and the composition and health of the fleet operating in the city. While following a car for example, elevated levels of particulate matter and NOx when correlated with CO2 indicate, either an older, dirtier engine, or one with an inefficient abatement system. Such information is vital to improving the implementation of low emissions zones, and to providing cleaner air for London’s inhabitants.

Breathe London has been collecting data since November 2018 and was officially launched on 15th January 2019. It is a collaborative initiative between the Mayor of London, C40 Cities, CIFF, Environmental Defense Fund Europe, and Google Earth Outreach. The official launch was followed in April by the launch of the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone.

LI-COR Biosciences is a leading innovator in systems for plant research, gas analysis, drug discovery, protein research, and small animal imaging. From the first low-cost light sensor filtered for the waveband absorbed by plants, to pioneering the development of near-infrared fluorescence detection systems for image-guided cancer surgery, LI-COR strives to provide innovative solutions for researchers.

Scientists around the world use LI-COR technology to address important biological and environmental challenges in studies ranging from global climate change to cancer research.

More information at www.licor.com.