Guidance

Leaders: Leonor Tarrasson (NILU), Enrico Pisoni (JRC)

This guidance document has been revised in September 2026:

Description

While this working group activities have so far focused on developing a methodology to benchmark model performance (Modelling Quality Objective (MQO), QA/QC protocol), future activities will focus on regular inter-comparison exercises based on the Composite Mapping platform and use of the MQO indicators:

1. Regular inter-comparisons and targeted analysis of key reported assessment data (modelling air concentrations & emissions aggregated data)
   • Targeted analysis of the Modelling Quality Indicator (MQI) across Europe (based on the comparison of on-the-fly and reported MQI)
   • Targeted study of the underlying emission data (Emission Dashboard – link to WG7)
   • Testing usability and usefulness of modelling metadata
   • Consequences for e-reporting of modelling data
2. Guidance on model application, documentation and validation
   • Update of the 2011 FAIRMODE guide on model application
   • Support to AAQD guidance on model use
   • Support to CEN WG43 (MQO) on the implementation of MQI

More information can also be found on the DELTA tool page.

Publications

• A new set of indicators for model evaluation complementing FAIRMODE's modelling quality objective (MQO) (2025)
• Sensitivity of air quality modelling to different emission inventories: A case study over Europe (2021)
• Supporting the improvement of air quality management practices: The “FAIRMODE pilot” activity (2019)
• Strengths and weaknesses of the FAIRMODE benchmarking methodology for the evaluation of air quality models (2018)
• Applying the Delta tool to support AQD: The validation of the TCAM chemical transport model (2014)
• Model quality objectives based on measurement uncertainty. Part I: Ozone (2013)
• Model quality objectives based on measurement uncertainty. Part I: PM10 and NO2 (2013)
• Performance criteria to evaluate air quality modeling applications (2012)
• A tool to evaluate air quality model performances in regulatory applications (2012)

Tools and datasets

WG2 Meetings