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Maps of Air Quality Across Scotland

A pilot mapping exercise has been undertaken on behalf of the Scottish Government to provide a comparison of the results of a national air quality modelling method in 2004 with results from Scottish air quality monitoring data, and to examine possible improvements to the model in representing Scottish concentrations.

Task 1 was a detailed examination of the national models current performance for Scotland in 2004. This included plotting the model results against Scottish monitoring data as verification charts. Examples of the national output maps (1 x 1 km background maps) are presented below. These background maps should continue to be used for Review and Assessment purposes in Scotland, and the results can be downloaded on a local authority basis from the LAQM Tools section of this web site.

PM10 map of scotland   No2 map of scotland

Examples of Scottish Air Quality Maps from the Pilot Study (PM10 and NO2 Background)

Task 2 attempted to improve the model results by tailoring model components to Scotland. This involved remodelling of several pollutants (deemed appropriate for improvement for Scotland) and an assessment of these results to examine the degree to which the model represents the monitoring data. The two methods of model improvement that were been identified were:

  • Use of Scottish meteorological data the ADMS modelling was performed using meteorological data from Edinburgh Airport. A new dispersion kernel was derived using these met data.
  • Calibration of the model using only monitoring data from Scottish monitoring sites.

The full report of this work is available for download here. Note that certain Air Quality Strategy pollutants are omitted because there are too few monitoring sites. These include ozone, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, metals and PAHs.

The mapping exercise is to be repeated and will become more accurate in future years as further data (especially background PM10 and PM2.5), are added to the database. Careful consideration and Guidance will then need to be given on how to incorporate the results of the improved Scottish maps into the Review and Assessment Process.