BreezoMeter’s air quality data is real-time, location-based, and actionable, aiming to improve the health of billions of people around the world. We collect a huge amount of data about air pollution, and have developed advanced technologies to turn it into actionable information.
But how do we actually do that? If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering. So, without further ado, here are the 5 most common questions we receive about BreezoMeter!
#Q1: How Does BreezoMeter Collect & Calculate Air Quality Data? What Sensors Do you Use?
We don’t have our own sensors, but rather collect data from all available monitoring stations. However, in addition to this, we also collect from a variety of additional sources – such as satellites, local weather, live traffic information and more.
By performing hundreds of air quality calculations at once through complex machine learning & algorithms, we are able to calculate hourly air quality up to the resolution of 5 Meters (16.5Feet).
#Q2: Why is BreezoMeter’s Index Sometimes Different from Government Data? Which Should I Trust?
An Air Quality Index (AQI) is the way different governments choose to communicate about air quality to the public.
Common differences between these official indexes include:
- Number & Type of Pollutants: Different AQIs are based on different individual pollutants.
- Averaging Times: Many official sources provide reporting based on averaged readings for defined time frames: These time frames could range from 1 to 24 hours.
- Pollutant Concentration Thresholds: Different AQIs apply their own interpretations of danger to different pollutant concentration levels.
- Dominant Pollutants: AQIs define the dominant pollutant based on risk of exposure. As AQIs assign different interpretations of danger to individual pollutants, you can find differences in terms of the dominant pollutant.
Why are there differences between air quality providers? Learn here
#Q3: Why Does BreezoMeter Have its Own AQI?
In order to create a universal frame of reference, we developed our own global standard air quality index that could be used the world over. You can read more about this here. If you’re interested in comparing the air quality in different parts of the world, or want to make health decisions in real-time based on your surrounding air quality levels, we suggest you use BreezoMeter’s index as it functions more as a warning system and tells you how healthy the air is right now.
This is thanks to the fact that we choose not to rely only on physical sensors and apply sophisticated modeling that relies on multiple algorithms at once.
#Q3: How Does BreezoMeter Ensure Accuracy?
We’ve built a cross-validation process into our technology based on the “leave one out” method: We eliminate one governmental sensor’s data from our algorithm on an hourly basis, calculate the result, then compare our output to the actual sensor reading. This process continuously runs behind the scenes of the information we provide, helping to ensure high accuracy and flagging any anomalies early on.
How accurate is BreezoMeter’s live air quality data? Learn here
Question #4: How can Businesses Use BreezoMeter’s Air Quality Data?
Leading brands around the world integrate BreezoMeter’s environmental intelligence to create connected experiences, increase engagement, run correlative studies and run pinpoint targeted personalized campaigns in response to the environment. Popular industries we work with include healthcare, smart home, advertising, smart mobility companies, and city planners. See real case studies here.
Question #5: How can Individuals Use Air Quality Data?
Wherever you are, take a look around you: Do you have any idea how polluted the air you’re breathing is? Do you know what’s in the air on your street, and how it changes over time? Air pollution is incredibly bad for our health, and the right data helps us avoid it and reduce its effects. This video might help to explain this more than words can:
Go Further
You’ll find further information about BreezoMeter’s technology in our dedicated technology guide here.
