An Innovative Service for Monitoring Vehicles Emissions

Abstract The measurement and monitoring emissions that could be attributed to transportation are highly on demand, since transportation is generally considered as the main source of greenhouse gases. However, several barriers are apparent such as data challenges, national/regional/local emission calculations and lacking efficient tools to measure the performance and progress of counter measures. Furthermore, available open data sources, tools and software are not adequately incorporated. Within this study, in order to facilitate decision-makers on such challenges a web-based geospatial dashboard service is designed to calculate and monitor real-time vehicle emissions. The concepts and the framework is validated in five districts of Istanbul, where Istanbul is prominent with its urban transport challenges. The model, geospatial dashboard, proposed user-friendly and fit-for-purpose, is open-sourced and complies with the national spatial standards. Via utilizing the dashboard, it is possible to monitor emissions from vehicles and uncover spatial patterns with the help of interactive map and graphics. The service provided could help decision makers to perform the technically difficult monitoring process seamlessly, where policymakers could focus on combatting climate change and greenhouse gases. Additionally, the proposed service is easily adaptable to Istanbul and other cities.