Evaluation of new data sources for improving the estimation of background concentrations in Norway

A previous report (OR 68/2011) described a geostatistical methodology developed for creating a consistent dataset of background concentrations of NO2, O3, PM10, and PM2.5 in Norway, that are representative of a typical year. The resulting dataset has a resolution of 0.1 degrees by 0.1 degrees and is available at hourly temporal resolution. Based on this existing methodology, this study reports on the evaluation of new data sources as a means of improving such estimates of background concentrations. The potential of satellite-derived NO2 data is evaluated for guiding the geostatistics-based spatial interpolation procedure of NO2 station data in Norway. Furthermore, the output from a high-resolution atmospheric model was tested with respect to its capability of improving the spatial and temporal characterization of background concentrations. Finally, an online web mapping system was developed to make the project results easily accessible and to provide basic data analysis and visualization routines for the public.