Road traffic is one of several sources of emissions in the atmosphere. The negative effects from airborne pollutants are examined. Which effects, and where they may occur, depends not only on the amount of pollutants, but also on their chemical composition, the climate, and several other factors. The knowledge of which sources cause most harm in different regions is important in order to get the best efficiency of investments in the reduction of emissions. GIS is an important tool in achieving this knowledge. Using GIS to calculate the overall concentration of pollutants, the work naturally falls into two parts. First the total emissions in the different areas must be calculated and secondly, with the use of climate models, the dispersion of these pollutants is calculated. In order to do this data must be available for the different sources and on the climate pattern. Contrary to other sources, vehicles are not stationary making it necessary to model the traffic pattern in the monitored area and its surroundings. As an example, a model for NOx emissions in Sweden will be discussed. (A)
Abstract