Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit

Plan, set up, and run a local air quality monitoring network. Originally developed by AirGradient with UNDP, now hosted by the Open Air Foundation.

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About this toolkit

Originally developed by AirGradient in collaboration with the UNDP Global Centre in Singapore, this toolkit helps communities plan, set up, and operate affordable local air quality monitoring networks.

AirGradient has since transferred the toolkit to the Open Air Foundation, giving this resource an independent, nonprofit home and supporting the Foundation’s mission to make air quality knowledge and tools more widely accessible.

You don’t need an engineering background to get started. Step-by-step guides, illustrated manuals, and video tutorials cover three phases: Planning, Set Up, and Operations. They guide you through choosing monitoring locations, installing sensors, checking data quality, and using the results to support local action.

The toolkit was originally developed through the UNDP Open Innovation Platform Challenge.

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Section 1: Planning

This stage focuses on defining the air quality monitoring strategy by identifying key air pollution challenges, selecting monitoring locations, and establishing clear objectives. It ensures that resources are used efficiently and that community engagement is maximized for impactful data collection.

Planning

Section 2: Set Up

This phase provides step-by-step guidance on installing, configuring, and calibrating the air quality monitors, making it accessible even for users with no technical background. With illustrated manuals and video tutorials, it simplifies the process of deploying a functional and reliable monitoring network.

Set Up

Section 3: Operations

This section covers ongoing maintenance, calibration, and data analysis to ensure accuracy and usability of collected air quality data. It also tools for visualization, data sharing, and capacity building, empowering users to translate insights into meaningful actions for cleaner air.

Operations

What Is It?

The Low-Cost Hyperlocal Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit was developed to make air quality data more accessible, empowering communities to setup a high quality, yet affordable air quality monitoring network.

Democratize Access

The Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit tackles unequal access by offering an affordable, accessible solution. It breaks down barriers, putting monitoring capabilities within reach of communities, especially in developing regions, ensuring local environmental insights aren't limited by resources and fostering data equity.

Enable Anyone

Designed for ease of use, the toolkit offers comprehensive guidance through clear instructions and videos. This enables diverse users like municipalities, NGOs, and community groups, even without prior expertise, to successfully set up and manage their own air quality monitoring networks effectively.

Build Local Capacity

More than just hardware, the toolkit builds sustainable local skills by guiding users through defining goals, setup, data analysis, and long-term maintenance. This comprehensive approach equips local actors with the knowledge for ongoing network management, fostering self-sufficiency in tackling air quality issues.

Empower communities

The toolkit empowers communities with reliable, local data for informed action. This evidence supports advocacy, influences urban planning and policy, and helps mobilize residents for cleaner air, turning awareness into tangible improvements for healthier environments.

Governments

Government officials and policymakers can use air quality data to support infrastructure improvements and pollution control measures.

Municipalities

Municipalities can use the toolkit to establish affordable monitoring networks for data-driven public health policies and environmental regulations.

Advocacy groups/NGOs

These groups can use air quality data to fuel awareness campaigns and mobilize community initiatives.

Private Companies

Businesses can use air quality data to improve workplace environments, ensure regulatory compliance, and support corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Introduction to the Toolkit

Watch this video to learn about the Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit and how it can help your community

Capacity Building

No experience needed on air quality monitoring! Let the toolkit guide you from page one.

Affordability

Unlike traditional air quality monitoring, the toolkit is a cost-effective solution aimed for scale.

High Data Quality

Achieve accurate and reliable measurements without needing technical expertise.

Data Ownership

Learn how to access, export, and share your monitoring data to support your community’s goals.

What’s Inside the Toolkit?

The toolkit provides a complete and self-contained solution for establishing a hyperlocal air quality monitoring network.

Air Quality Monitors
The hardware guides use AirGradient monitors. Many planning and community engagement chapters also apply to other monitoring systems, with a dedicated chapter explaining how to adapt the toolkit.
Documentation and Guides
More than 20 chapters in 3 sections covers all aspects that need to be known to setup a robust air quality monitoring network.
Videos
Videos are highlighting important aspects of setting up the monitoring network, e.g. how to deploy the monitors.
Dashboard & Analytics
Guides explain how to use the AirGradient dashboard, analytics, and calibration tools to manage a monitoring network and interpret its data.

The Toolkit’s Origins and New Home

AirGradient began as a volunteer project helping a school in Northern Thailand monitor classroom air quality during the burning season. Its experience developing open-source monitors and supporting community monitoring projects helped shape this toolkit.

Developed by AirGradient in collaboration with the UNDP Global Centre in Singapore, the toolkit brings practical guidance on monitoring technology, data quality, and community engagement together in one resource.

The toolkit has now been transferred to the Open Air Foundation. This move gives the knowledge an independent, nonprofit home, where it can support communities, educators, and public institutions working toward cleaner air.