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FAIRMODE - Forum for Air Quality Modeling

FAIRMODE brings together air quality modelers and users to promote and support the harmonized use of models by EU Member States to support the European Air Quality Directives.

  • Page | Last updated: 07 Nov 2025
Sensors and data-fusion (Working Group 6)

Low-cost sensors are relevant for FAIRMODE, especially concerning methodologies to combine sensor networks with modelled data and official measurements. WG6 activities will focus on discussing and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the different ways low-cost sensors can be used in conjunction to modelling.

Guidance

Leaders: Sjoerd Van Ratingen (RIVM), Joost Wesseling (RIVM)

Description

Low-cost sensors can be very relevant for FAIRMODE, especially concerning methodologies to combine sensor networks with modelled data and official measurements. Present experiences suggest important roles for data fusion/assimilation approaches, and possibly other techniques with similar scopes. WG6 activities will focus on discussing and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the different ways low-cost sensors can be used in conjunction to modelling. The focus points are:

  1. Exchanging best practices about the calibration and subsequent integration of sensor network data in air quality mapping methods (data fusion) and demonstrating the use of sensors in different areas/countries with national models to fuse.
  2. Providing guidance and recommendations on the use of sensors (e.g. citizen science projects), both in terms of calibration, data fusion or communication about related uncertainties
  3. Exploring how exploitation and validation of an air quality sensor network can contribute to improved air quality modelling, with a focus on city applications.

Publications

WG6 Meetings