Theoretical Investigation of Urban Air Quality Management Systems Performance Towards Simplified Strategic Environmental Planning

Abstract

Urban Air Quality Management Systems are software tools that combine air quality models with various software modules like geographical information systems, databases, expert systems and statistical analysis tools. Such systems try to interpret as accurately as possible the complex interactions between various atmospheric, emission, land use and topographic parameters involved in the air pollution management problem, in order to provide support for environmental strategic planning and decision making. As this process involves a huge set of parameters, some of which may only be roughly estimated, air quality management systems tend to aggregate parameters in order to simplify their analysis and make it more effective and operational. Yet, this aggregation may lead to deviations in the analysis results, as proved in this theoretical article, and thus influence the decision making and strategic planning process. According to the findings of this article, such a policy making process should focus primarily on short term measures when dealing with air pollution episode management.