Introducing the new upgraded PlanetWatch Map

In this article, we will guide you through the key features of our new map 

In an era where air pollution has become a pressing global concern, the need for accurate and accessible air quality information has never been more important. With this release, we are taking a significant leap forward toward providing a more comprehensive and reliable tool for understanding and assessing air quality data sourced from our community-driven monitoring network.

Packed with new features and enhancements, our upgraded map delivers an intuitive and visually appealing interface with an optimized user experience.

By granting access to real-time air quality data, and insights into sensor deployment opportunities, this new version of our map is both empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and actively contributing to the collective efforts aimed at tackling air pollution.

Let’s dive into the main highlights of this release!

Refreshing visual layout 

The first thing you will notice about our new map is how different it looks. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the map combines a clean and intuitive interface. 

Now with day and night modes available, it allows you to choose the viewing option you like the most.

Improved performance

For this map release, we made performance our top priority. Experience seamless navigation by zooming in and out on regions or using the search bar to browse for a specific location.

We have shrunk load time and improved responsiveness to ensure you can quickly pinpoint locations of interest and gather relevant information in a matter of seconds, exploring air quality data at different scales effortlessly. 

Recalibrated data

In our relentless pursuit of delivering reliable and accurate air quality data, we have developed a scalable recalibration system. This includes using advanced machine learning models for each pollutant and cross-validating our data against governmental stations, all the while maintaining the focus on hyperlocal and real-time monitoring.

As a result, the data displayed on our map currently aligns with the latest measurement standards and is updated on an hourly basis, providing up-to-date precise information on air pollution wherever a PlanetWatch-compliant device is deployed.

Comprehensive pollutant information 

The new map is populated with dots, each one representing a sensor deployed in that exact location. Thanks to color-coded indicators representing the concentration levels of key pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 (Good, Fair, Moderate, Poor, Very Poor, Extremely Poor), you can now assess air quality at a glance.

With a simple click on any dot, you will have access to detailed information about each pollutant and its main health implications, alongside temperature, humidity, and the timestamp indicating the most recent data stream.

Pixel specific information 

The new map differentiates between Tier 1 and Tier 2 pixels at high zoom, and it clearly indicates the ones where sensors have already been deployed and are actively streaming data vs. the ones that are empty.

By clicking on individual pixels, you can also discover the number of Type 1 / Type 2 lead or backup sensors that are deployed there (updated on a weekly basis).

For those interested in becoming PlanetWatchers or deploying more devices in new locations, this information is extremely valuable because it lets you understand in which pixels it would be more beneficial to install a sensor, according to the rules outlined in the White Paper (see chapter 4).

In summary, the new upgraded PlanetWatch map enables users to:

🗺️ Check PlanetWatch’s air quality monitoring network worldwide coverage in real-time (outdoor devices only).

🔍 Gain insights into air quality trends on a global scale or into air pollution conditions at a precise location.

📍 Discover available deployment opportunities – in Tier 1 or Tier 2 pixels as lead or backup sensor.

Explore it for yourself here.