Dissemination of Air Quality Information: Lessons Learnt in European Field Trials

Abstract

Prime objective of project APNEE has been a citizen-centred dissemination of air quality information. It was initiated during the hype of novel information services. At that point in time, content was considered as the most promising business opportunity. In addition, emerging EU directives called for novel services to advise the public on health-related instances. In this light, a multi-channel dissemination platform for the distribution of air quality information has been implemented in APNEE. This set of information services towards the citizen has been evaluated in major field trials across Europe in order to identify those services with the best acceptance and impact. Main achievements include a reference architecture for future exploitation and a catalogue of information services accompanied with guidelines for use. This paper will report on the experiences gained over the last four years and present major results in human-centred and process-oriented stance.