Assessment and scenario tool in full development
The LIFE CityTRAQ project is developing two new innovative tools to improve air quality and livability in urban areas: an assessment and a scenario tool. The tools will allow local governments to collect and analyze accurate data on local air quality and simulate customized scenarios, which should help to implement more effective air policies.
Assessment tool scheduled for launch in March 2025
The development of the assessment tool is currently underway. Since August 2024, a specialised company has been working on a prototype that can efficiently analyze air quality data. The tool runs on the Flemish Environment Agency’s Azure Cloud and is aimed at improved air quality monitoring. The first images of the design show promising functionalities that give users intuitive access to detailed air quality data. The feedback of the Advisory Board was taken into account in the current developments.
Scenario tool with a new upgrade
In April 2024, the scenario tool received a valuable ‘upgrade’, with the tool taking into account the ‘street canyon effect’. The impact of narrow streets on the distribution of air pollution is now included in the simulations. This results in more realistic spatial representation.
In June 2024, based on a comprehensive IT analysis, the VMM decided to retain and further expand VITO’s current scenario tool instead of moving it to the VMM’s Azure Cloud. The VMM and the CityTRAQ partners will discuss further upgrades (co-creation) later this year to optimize the accuracy and functionality of the tool. The VMM will continue to follow up on the procurement procedures in this regard.
Thanks to these developments, the CityTRAQ project continues its innovative support to cities.