ESA satellites to produce air quality info

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The European Environment Agency announced an agreement with a European Space Agency-led consortium to provide information on air pollution.

Under the agreement, the EEA will use a service that combines and processes satellite data with surface measurements from 29 European nations to deliver daily air-quality information.

"Sophisticated processing and satellite data from ESA will combine to deliver state-of-the-art information on air quality," said EEA Project Manager Tim Haigh. "This will allow EEA to get the most from ground-based measurements collected through its networks (providing) … timely information on Europe's environment at an unprecedented level."

The "Integrated Air Quality Platform for Europe" service was developed to provide end-users information about air quality and is providing forecasts for up to 72 hours at a resolution of approximately 30 miles, officials said. The service includes data on ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, including dust, smoke and pollen.