Air Grid: using grid monitoring to map air quality

Air quality is almost never consistent across NZ’s towns – polluted air can readily be transported on the breeze and accumulate in different locations.

Monitoring and mapping outdoor air with dense monitor grids

NIWA is a pioneer in using dense grids of new-generation air monitors to create detailed maps of air quality. We use monitors that measure particulate matter levels (PM10 and PM2.5) every 20 minutes or faster, sending data to the cloud via the mobile phone network. 

These data can be converted into maps of air quality which are readily turned into maps and animations.

Webinar - monitoring grids for airsheds
Monitoring Grids for Airsheds
Watch Video

Past projects

Projects up to 2021 used NIWA’s ODIN monitors. Projects from 2022 onwards use Clarity monitors. 

  • Alexandra, Invercargill and Wairoa (2023; coming soon)
  • Ashburton (2022)
  • Arrowtown (2020 and 2019)
  • Masterton (2020) 
  • Invercargill (2020) 
  • Reefton (2020)
  • Christchurch (2019)
  • Motueka (2019)
  • Alexandra (2018)
  • Gisborne (2018)
  • Rangiora (2016-17)

Return to Community Air menu page.

Book: Community air: Air quality issues in NZ towns

  • Link to source page

    Arrowtown, NZ

    Air quality in Arrowtown - 2019 results

    Read a summary of results and download our full report on 2019 outdoor air quality.
    Air quality

  • Link to source page

    Community Observation Networks for Air (CONA): previous projects

    CONA studies in Rangiora in 2015-17 and Alexandra in 2018 have proven that the technologies and methodologies used provide valuable data to support mitigation efforts by local authorities.
    Air quality