Traffic-related air quality analysis and visualisation

Planners have the responsibility of presenting future consequences of proposed actions to all stakeholders in an accurate and easy-to-understand fashion. The integration of simulation models and visualisation for presentation as an integral part of the planning and decision-making process serves this purpose. While planners have used Geographic Information System (GIS), simulation models, and three-dimensional (3D) visualisation in various projects, the integrative use is still at a very early stage. Upon this consideration, we present a prototype of integrated use of the three components of information technology, using traffic impact analysis as an example. Transportation-related air quality is always a concern in urban areas where private automobiles are the primary means of transportation. Based on GIS data and traffic information together, the model generates pollutant concentration values covering a study area. The result is displayed with Triangular Irregular Network, a 3D visualisation format. With such a system, the air quality under certain traffic condition could be evaluated and visualised by just clicking some buttons. Such presentations can help people envision the future consequences of a proposed development and build a consensus among stakeholders for formulating appropriate proactive measures. It can help planners compare different scenarios and select an optimised solution in a decision-making process. The needs, benefits and challenges for such an integrated system are discussed.