Free Global Air Pollution and Air Quality Data Sources for GIS

Air quality data is critical for public health research, environmental monitoring, and policy analysis. Here are the best free global air pollution datasets available for GIS.

Global PM2.5 Surface Concentration

The Global PM2.5 Surface Concentration dataset from Washington University provides annual estimates of ground-level fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 1km resolution globally from 2000 to present.

• Coverage: Global
• Resolution: ~1km (0.01°)
• Variables: PM2.5 concentration (µg/m³)
• Best for: Health impact assessment and long-term exposure studies

Sentinel-5P TROPOMI Satellite Pollutants

ESA’s Sentinel-5P TROPOMI provides daily global measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), and formaldehyde at an unprecedented 3.5-7km spatial resolution.

• Coverage: Global
• Resolution: 3.5 × 7 km
• Variables: NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, HCHO columns
• Update frequency: Daily
• Best for: Urban air pollution monitoring and industrial emission detection

CAMS Global Atmospheric Composition

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) provides global atmospheric composition reanalysis and forecasts including aerosols, chemical species, and greenhouse gases.

• Coverage: Global
• Resolution: ~80km (reanalysis), ~10km (regional)
• Best for: Multi-pollutant coverage and air quality forecasting

How to Use Air Quality Data in GIS

1. Start with PM2.5 for the most health-relevant pollutant indicator at high resolution.
2. Use TROPOMI for city-scale NO₂ mapping — it can show individual power plants and highways.
3. Combine with population data from the Population & Census category for health exposure analysis.
4. Use GeoDataViewer Studio to open and overlay these raster datasets — all processing happens locally.