As part of UNDP’s commitment to harnessing innovation for sustainable development, the Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit has been developed in collaboration with AirGradient, an open-source air quality monitoring platform, following the Open Innovation Platform Challenge.

This comprehensive and open-source Toolkit is designed to enable communities, local audiences, and first-time users to set up, operate, and maintain low-cost air quality monitors with minimal technical support.

Toolkit Structure and Content

The Toolkit is organized into three comprehensive sections: Planning, Setup, and Operations, guiding users through every phase of their air quality monitoring journey.

1.     Planning

This section helps users design a locally relevant monitoring strategy by defining goals, selecting monitoring locations, and engaging communities for meaningful participation.

• Chapter 1: About the Air Quality Toolkit – Outlines the Toolkit’s purpose, structure, and target users
• Chapter 2: Defining Your Air Quality Project – Helps users identify project objectives, target populations, and available resources
• Chapter 3: Community Engagement Planning – Highlights the importance of community involvement and introduces roles such as connectors, supporters, and impact drivers
• Chapter 4: Site and Monitor Selection Planning – Provides practical guidance for selecting monitoring locations and choosing appropriate sensor types

2.     Setup

This section offers detailed, step-by-step instructions for preparing, installing, configuring, and connecting the monitors to the AirGradient platform.

• Chapter 1: Deployment Preparation – Equipment checks, logistics, safety, and permits
• Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview – Introduces the AirGradient Dashboard platform
• Chapter 3.1 – 3.2: Internet Connectivity – Instructions for both cellular and WiFi models
• Chapter 4: Connecting Monitor to the Dashboard – Device onboarding process
• Chapter 5: Mounting – Physical installation guidance
• Chapter 6: Dashboard Configuration – Personalizing dashboards and managing users
• Chapter 7: Data Sharing – Sharing data through public and private channels
• Chapter 8: Monitor Calibration – Methods for improving sensor accuracy

3.     Operations

This section supports ongoing maintenance, data quality assurance, analysis, and community engagement.

• Chapter 1: Ongoing Project Monitoring – Sustaining technical and organizational operations
• Chapter 2: Dashboard Manual – Full feature overview of AirGradient’s dashboard, data analysis, and system configuration tools
• Chapter 3: Maintaining Data Quality and Accuracy – Ensuring reliable data through routine sensor checks, outlier identification, and recalibration
• Chapters 4.1 – 4.3: Device-Specific Maintenance – WiFi (O-1PST), Cellular (O-1PST-CE), Open Air Max (O-M-1PPSTON)
• Chapter 5: Data Visualization, Analysis, and Interpretation – Interpreting trends, patterns, and hotspots
• Chapter 6: Data Download and Export – Exporting data for reporting or advanced analysis
• Chapter 7: Community Engagement – Sustaining public involvement and communicating results
• Chapter 8: Measuring Your Impact – Evaluating outcomes and behavioral or policy changes
• Chapter 9: AirGradient API – Accessing and integrating data programmatically

Access the Toolkit

The full version of the Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Toolkit can be accessed online at: https://www.airgradient.com/toolkit/ 

A downloadable PDF version is also available in English and Vietnamese below.