AirCitizen

AirCitizen is a citizen-science project that helps people investigate the quality of their local environment, especially the air they breathe. Developed from the OpenAir/“Quel est ton air ?” initiatives, it brings citizens, researchers, hackers, and community groups together to build and use accessible environmental monitoring tools.

The project offers workshops where participants assemble portable measuring stations using affordable sensors. These devices can monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, as well as pollutants including nitrogen oxides, ozone, and fine particles. Participants take measurements at fixed locations or along walking routes, exploring how pollution varies across places and over time.

AirCitizen also provides a data platform comprising a server, REST API, and geospatial database. Shared measurements support online mapping, aggregation, and analysis, while the project acknowledges limitations such as sensor noise and variable location accuracy. Its activities extend beyond hardware and data collection to include discussions of pollution sources, dispersion, health impacts, measurement methods, urban experiences, and how people interpret and use air-quality information.