Atmospheric Pollution
The Atmospheric Pollution tool enables advanced air quality and dispersion modelling of aviation-related emissions in and around airport areas. It supports the visualisation of multiple key pollutants, including NO₂, PM₁₀, O₃, SO₂, and CO. The tool provides detailed spatial distribution analysis and allows users to monitor how pollutant concentrations evolve over time, on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. By combining dispersion modelling with dynamic visualisation, it offers a clear picture of air quality impacts around airports linked to landing and take-off operations. This makes the tool particularly valuable for regulatory compliance and threshold monitoring, supporting evidence-based environmental oversight and air quality management.
The tool has been developed by S[&]T, KTH & TUD.
Watch the short video below to explore the tool in action.

How can this tool create value for its key users?
This question shaped the business impact analysis conducted by Future Needs.
Based on stakeholder input, airport operators are identified as the primary users of the tool. Through detailed pollutant concentration mapping and dispersion analysis, airport operators can effectively monitor aviation-related emissions and conduct environmental impact assessments, processes that are particularly critical for permitting and license renewal procedures. By providing comprehensive and structured analysis, the tool enables significant cost savings associated with performing mandatory environmental assessments, even if it does not directly generate additional revenue. A key strategic advantage lies in the tool’s focus on non-CO₂ emissions, especially in light of forthcoming regulatory requirements. By enabling early monitoring and assessment capabilities, the tool supports proactive compliance and acts as a preparatory measure for evolving environmental standards. Looking ahead, airlines are also expected to benefit, particularly as non-CO₂ regulatory obligations become more concrete. In this context, the tool can support improved coordination and the development of targeted mitigation measures across the aviation ecosystem.




