The AirQUIS system was developed by institutions dealing with air pollution, information technology and geographical information systems (GIS). The combination of on-line data collection, statistical evaluations and numerical modelling enable the user to obtain information, carry out forecasting and future planning of air quality.

  
The system can be used for monitoring and to estimate environmental impacts from planned measures to reduce air pollution.

The AirQUIS system contains the following modules:

• Geographical Information System (GIS)
• Automatic Data Acquisition System (ADACS)
• Measurement
• Statistical and Graphical Presentation Tools
• Emission Inventory
• Emission Model
• Wind Model
• Dispersion Model
• Exposure Model

On-line measurement system
A measurement system of modern on line sensors for selected air pollution indicators can be designed specific for the area concerned.

The emission inventory database
A modern database for the air pollution emission inventory represents a flexible system containing a user friendly map oriented inter phase to treat the main sources for emission to air such as industry, traffic, energy (consumption of fossil fuels) and emissions related to other mobile sources such as airport and harbour activities.

Atmospheric dispersion models
The models included in the AirQUIS system covers air pollution on all scales; along streets and roads, industrial emissions, gridded pollution from household etc. within the urban areas and on a regional scale. The models may be used as integrated into the AirQUIS system, or as stand alone models if needed.

Exposure
Based on concentration calculations and population distribution, exposure estimates for human health can be performed. The exposure estimates can be related to air quality guidelines or other air quality indicators used for the component considered.

Air Quality Planning
The AirQUIS system is an effective tool for air quality abatement strategy. The contribution of air pollution from different source categories such as traffic, household and industry to the population exposure in an urban area can be calculated based upon data on emissions, dispersion and population distribution. The system has also been used in cost-benefit or cost-efficiency analyses, and has represented the basis for Action planning.