The application of GIS to air quality analysis in Enna City (Italy)

Abstract

Air quality models play a very important role in formulating air pollution control and management strategies by providing information about better and more efficient air quality planning. This paper describes an urban air quality modelling system for evaluating the environmental effects of transport related air pollution. A preliminary evaluation of the model has been performed for one site in Enna City using data from an extensive monitoring and measuring campaign. Then the authors utilize a geographic information system (GIS), which integrates a vehicle emission model, pollutant dispersion model and related databases to estimate the emissions and spatial distribution of traffic pollutants. The model can not only analyze the current pollution situations, but also can predict the emissions influenced by exhaust coming from changes in specific traffic conditions or management policies. © 2009 WIT Press.