A USDOT University Transportation Center

The UrbanScanner Project

The UrbanScanner Project, developed by the University of Toronto Engineering, is a mobile air monitoring system and laboratory. It has been in operation in Toronto since September 2020. This vehicle was constructed by researchers in the Transportation and Air Quality group, and it takes detailed air pollution measurements. In addition to collecting real-time measurements and information, the vehicle is able to stream data onto a cloud server and reveal various patterns over time. It can depict which streets or neighborhoods are exposed to higher levels of air pollution.

This tool will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Estimation Technique

The UrbanScanner vehicle is equipped with sophisticated technology, including a 360-degree camera, a light detection and ranging system, GPS, and anemometer, and sensors for temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and other gaseous pollutants.