New tool for visualising air quality and the environment in Bergen, Norway

Air pollution and temperature changes in cities are key challenges worldwide and pose significant health risks to residents.

To gain new knowledge about these issues, researchers use high-resolution data, remote sensing and modelling tools to analyse the state and changes in the urban environment. Using these methods, ‘what if’ scenarios are developed and used to address these challenges. Research results from the Nansen Center show large geographical differences between the districts of Bergen in terms of local air pollution and temperatures, under otherwise similar weather conditions. Measures have been implemented to reduce emissions from local traffic, wood burning and ships in the harbour to improve air quality in Bergen. However, the problems are still not solved and we observe several incidents, especially during the winter, where local air pollution leaves its mark on large parts of the city.

A recent study carried out by Nansen Center researchers in collaboration with Czech researchers in the TURBAN research project (see fact box) produced a tool for visualising air temperature and urban air data that can make complex scientific results more accessible and engaging. The tool can be used to help implement necessary environmental and climate measures in cities.The study, led by climate scientist Victoria Miles, focussed on air quality and temperature-related issues in our own city, Bergen. The research results build on years of work investigating the local meteorology, emission sources and the lower air layers above the city. The tool that has been developed clearly visualises air pollution and heat accumulation in urban areas and translates scientific findings into practical knowledge. In this way, politicians, city residents and other stakeholders can have better access to accurate and easily understandable information.

The study shows how innovative communication strategies, such as visualisation through WebGIS, can help present important information about urban environments. The use of the tool can contribute to increased understanding of issues, better risk assessment and simplified identification of possible solutions.

Effective research dissemination is an important tool, also when solving urban climate problems. Visualisation of research findings will make complex scientific data more accessible, which in turn can lead to better air and climate conditions in our own city.

Key researchers: Victoria Miles, Igor Esau, Lasse H. Pettersson

The Web GIS platform

Here you can explore the platform yourself and learn about Bergen’s air quality and thermal comfort within the city.

Our research on air quality in Bergen

Researchers at the Nansen Center have for multiple years studied air quality in Bergen. The team uses a street-level meter-resolution model to capture how pollution moves around the city. They use satellite remote sensing data, geographic information systems, and urban modelling to improve the available knowledge on how to improve air quality and thermal comfort in cities.

The TURBAN project

Extreme weather events such as long heat waves or cold spells reduce comfortable temperatures in cities worldwide. In conjunction with increasing air pollution, life in cities is becoming more difficult. Modeling the air conditions in cities is therefore becoming more important and the project “Turbulent-resolving urban modeling of air quality and thermal control” is working on developing suitable methods. Visit the project website here.

Publication

Sustainable Development:

“Using web GIS to promote stakeholder understanding of scientific results in sustainable urban development: A case study in Bergen, Norway”