Improved Real-World Monitoring at High Spatial Resolution using Fixed and Mobile Frameworks
We develop better sensors and evaluate them alongside commercially-available ones, develop integrated monitoring techniques using sensors and mobile laboratories equipped with reference grade instruments as part of targeted field campaigns, and lastly will leverage our rich data set using mathematical “inverse methods” and network data to estimate exposures and emissions, resulting in “virtual” sensors.
Development and evaluation of sensor and network hardware
RAIN will use sensors that will be developed in-house using optical components combined with commercially-available sensors. Custom sensors will address deficiencies in commercial sensors.
Targeted field campaigns using integrated mobile monitoring and sensor networks
Field campaigns will be supported by an integrated sensor and mobile laboratory monitoring approach. Through integrated deployment, we will overcome the limitations of each approach (sensor limitations: precision, accuracy, temporal resolution; mobile laboratory limitations: spatial resolution, snapshot of air quality). RAIN will support the existing UBC PLUME Van with new instruments for measuring real-time methane, volatile organics and particle composition, ambient metals, and particle size distribution. Learn more about UBC PLUME Van here.
Sensor networks as virtual sensors of source concentrations and exposures
Data from the sensor networks will undergo preliminary processing and visualization. Computationally intensive post-processing, analysis, and long-term storage will take place on Compute Canada infrastructure using already established workflows for Cloud and High-Performance Computing. We intend to build a web portal using Compute Canada infrastructure so that data can be easily accessed and shared with other researchers across the country and internationally. Once the network analysis approach is validated in RAIN, high-resolution emission and exposure estimates will be within reach of any community (via online platforms that we will create), including poorer communities which often have the worst air quality.