64 CNCs
Consistently Nominated Communities
19 Rapid deployment hubs
~100 New jobs
Local skilled and unskilled jobs including drivers, technicians, program specialists, coordinators, and more
40+ Car sensor fleet
Aclima mobile network of sensor equipped electric and low-emission vehicles + mobile labs
3 Partner mobile labs
High caliber sensors and mobile calibration from leaders in science and climate sensing
950,000+ Miles measured
5.2 Million people
In monitored neighborhoods (based on the 2022 census)
Expanding air quality monitoring across the State of California
CARB created the SMMI to do three main things: 1) gather detailed information about pollution and harmful gases in the air, 2) build an online portal where people can see and explore this data, and 3) work closely with communities to understand and act to improve their air quality concerns. This project expands on the statewide effort to monitor air quality under the AB617 Community Air Protection Program, gathering data where it’s missing, and helping to find more ways to reduce pollution and protect people’s health.
Maps above for illustrative purposes only – final specific monitoring areas will be determined through a community engagement process and documented in community air monitoring plans (CAMPs). At least 60% of monitoring must be conducted to benefit California Climate Investments priority populations.”
Aclima, in partnership with our technical subcontractors, will conduct mobile monitoring of criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and toxic air contaminants in Community Air Protection Program (CAPP) Consistently Nominated AB 617 Communities (CNCs). Aclima is working with Kearns & West to support community engagement activities.
The Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Hyperlocal air data
Aclima collects data about pollution that harms our air and fuels the climate crisis at the neighborhood block (hyperlocal) level to inform clean air action.
Air quality differs from place to place — Sacramento and Los Angeles have different air quality overall, but even within those cities, the air quality can change from block to block.
Aclima’s work is focused on air quality at the neighborhood level: we drive across neighborhoods, cities, and regions to measure the air on each public block. We then create detailed, interactive maps that allow you to explore the entire mapped area, zoom in to any block, and compare pollution levels within the area.
Aclima maps provide important information about where air pollutant levels are higher and lower within an area, highlighting places where regulators and communities can prioritize further investigation or emissions reduction strategies.
Block-by-block data collection
With the Aclima Mobile Node on board, our cars — operated by drivers hired from the local community — drive every public street in the mapping area and collect data every second.
Using the same technology cell phones use to connect to the internet, Aclima’s data are continuously uploaded to the cloud as the car drives.
Multipass, intelligent driving
The Aclima fleet drives every road multiple times to collect data at different times of the day, days of the week, and seasons of the year. Aclima’s intelligent algorithms plan the driving routes, track progress, and adjust to make sure the full area is covered evenly.
Analysis & verification
The Aclima science team pays careful attention to data quality. The AMNs are regularly calibrated and the data checked for things like sensor malfunction or inaccuracies to make sure the final, verified data are as reliable as possible. Aclima compares regulatory station data (when available) to mobile data collected nearby as an additional check.
Modeling & calculation
To calculate a single estimate of the annual average for each pollutant at every location, Aclima feeds the verified data into a statistical model designed by our data science team. The models combine Aclima’s on-the-ground data with other key information about the area, like road type, weather, and topography. Because blocks are sampled a limited number of times over the year, the model uses statistical methods to fill in the gaps in the on-the-ground dataset. Calculations are carried out for every block in the mapping area, every day of the mapping period. The result is a single modeled annual pollutant average for each location.
Visualization for action
Aclima’s measurement method results in a lot of data points — about 30,000 for every mile we map. To help users explore and understand the information (and therefore take steps to improve air quality), Aclima creates interactive maps. The results from the previous modeling and calculation step are what’s shown in the maps. Our community portals are designed for the public. Aclima’s goal is to help support regulators and communities to identify air pollution sources and develop emission reduction strategies.
