Modelling traffic and air pollution in an integrated approach - the case of Munich

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Friederike Hülsmann - , Technical University of Munich, Öko-Institut e.V. (Author)
  • Regine Gerike - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Matthias Ketzel - , Aarhus University (Author)

Abstract

As road traffic is a major source for urban air pollution there is a need to link traffic models with the modelling of air pollution in order to analyse the impacts of transport policies on the environment and human health. The cause-and-effect chain from the traffic activity towards the concentration of air pollutants and population exposure is complex. Against this background, an approach is developed that links the multi-agent-based transport model (MATSim) with the calculation of air pollution using the Operational Street Pollution Model (OSPM). Traffic-related air pollution is modelled as detailed as possible while still being applicable to large-scale scenarios. Simulated hourly mean nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations are compared with concentration measurements showing a similar pollution level and diurnal pattern at a site along a street canyon in Munich, Germany. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions and concentrations are simulated for an area bounded by the major ring road of Munich, Germany. Locations with a high concentration level can be identified and the effects of a changing traffic demand through the introduction of a speed limit are shown.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)732-744
Number of pages13
JournalUrban Climate
Volume10
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2014
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Agent-based transport modelling, Road traffic-related emission modelling, Street canyon modelling, Urban air quality