Air Pollution Map

Air pollution maps, also known as air quality maps, are visual representations that depict the levels of air pollution in specific geographical areas. These maps provide valuable information about the distribution and severity of various pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), among others.

Air pollution maps are created by collecting data from monitoring stations strategically placed across different regions. These monitoring stations measure pollutant concentrations at specific intervals, allowing for the creation of a comprehensive picture of air quality in a given area.

The collected data is then processed and transformed into color-coded or gradient maps that indicate pollution levels. Typically, colors such as green, yellow, orange, and red are used to represent different air quality categories, ranging from good to hazardous. These maps can be interactive, enabling users to zoom in, explore specific locations, and obtain real-time or historical air quality information.

Air pollution or air quality maps are created using station data from the study area through GIS software using interpolation methods or thematic mapping options. You can create your air pollution maps using the Advanced module of MapInfo Pro, which is one of the GIS software programs.

Air quality maps, can be accessed through online platforms, mobile applications, or local environmental agencies’ websites. They may provide real-time data or historical records, enabling individuals and communities to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, protect their health, and take necessary precautions during periods of poor air quality.

Turkey stands out as a country that needs to tackle air pollution issues. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), many cities in Turkey are among the most heavily polluted cities in Europe. Istanbul is one of the leading cities on this list.

In Turkey, based on the limits set by the WHO, the air quality in 53 out of 83 provinces is considered to be polluted. It is important to note that Turkey has different standards for air pollution measurement compared to Europe. While the WHO considers a limit value of 20 and above for PM10 (particulate matter) as polluted, the Ministry of Health considers values above 48 as pollution.

To access the air pollution map of Turkey, you can visit the National Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate.

When the air pollution map is examined according to provinces, the situation is concerning. Based on WHO criteria, it has been determined that only the province of Rize has clean air. In other provinces, pollution levels exceed the limits set by the WHO. High levels of air pollution have been detected in the provinces of Iğdır, Muş, Bursa, Istanbul, as well as in the neighborhoods of Göztepe, Esenyurt, İzmir, Gaziemir, Bayraklı, Kayaş, and Sıhhıye.

Unfortunately, air pollution leads to serious health problems. In Turkey, approximately 30,000 people lose their lives each year due to air pollution. This number is about 6-7 times higher than the number of people who die in traffic accidents. Therefore, solving the problem of air pollution and improving air quality is of great importance.