About EmisiMap

EmisiMap is an interactive platform designed to visualize air pollution sources using satellite observations, revealing the specific emitters responsible for poor air quality.

Unlike traditional ground-based monitoring, satellite-based earth observation provides objective, non-intrusive, and consistent environmental data with wide spatial and temporal coverage. By leveraging advanced technology, especially the TROPOMI instrument on the Sentinel-5P satellite, we can detect stationary NOx emitters even in remote areas without ground sensors.

Our goal is to offer a clear and intuitive way to link NOx emissions with energy, industrial, and extractive facilities, making invisible pollution visible for everyone.

How It Works

NOx emission hotspots were identified by first converting satellite-observed NO2 column densities to NOx, and then combining with wind data to detect point sources and to derive NOx emissions. The applied approach is based on the well-established methodology described by Beirle et al. (2023).

To attribute the top-down-detected NOx point sources to specific emitters, we considered information on facilities known to emit considerable amounts of NOx, available from Global Energy Monitor (GEM) and Climate TRACE. References include coal, oil, and gas power generation facilities in Global Coal Plant Tracker (GCPT), Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker (GOGPT), other industrial and logistical facilities of GEM trackers, and the Climate TRACE global emission map. This analysis includes relevant emitters within a 15 km radius from the most likely location of the detected point source as relevant contributors.

By overlaying observed NOx emissions with the locations of known infrastructure — such as coal-fired power plants, smelters, and industrial parks — we can attribute emissions to specific sources, allowing users to see not just where pollution is, but who or what is likely generating it.

Resources

Data Sources

Satellite-based NOx emissions

Sentinel-5P TROPOMI Level 2 Nitrogen Dioxide, obtained from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE).
Complete ERA5 global atmospheric reanalysis, horisontal wind, obtained from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Climate Data Store (CDS).
CAMS global reanalysis, ozone concentration, available from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

The computing resources for the emission calculations were provided by Tech to the Rescue and AWS.

Infrastructure Data

About Us

This platform is an initiative by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). CREA is an independent research organization focused on revealing the trends, causes, and health impacts, as well as the solutions to air pollution. We use scientific data, research, and evidence to support the efforts of governments, companies, and campaigning organizations worldwide in their efforts to move towards clean energy and clean air.

For inquiries regarding the data, methodology, or collaboration opportunities, please contact us at [email protected].

Disclaimer

The maps and designations displayed on this website do not imply any opinion on the part of CREA regarding the legal status of any country, territory, city, or its authorities, nor regarding the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries. The term "country" may also refer to territories or areas.

Please note that data presented here, including geographic names and borders, is not guaranteed to be error-free or officially endorsed. CREA, its partners, and affiliates are not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this information.