Air Sensor Collocation
Air sensors need periodic checks to ensure they are functioning correctly and generating high-quality data. Sensors may be collocated, or operated side-by-side with a reference monitor, to determine if they produce comparable data. Instead of adjusting instrument settings, which is often not possible for sensors, the raw data produced by a sensor may need to be adjusted (such as applying a mathematical equation or multiplier and/or additive factor(s) to the sensor raw data) to improve accuracy. This data adjustment, also called a correction, allows the sensor data to better match the reference monitor data thereby providing a more consistent picture of air quality.
Air Sensor Collocation Instruction Guide
The Collocation Instruction Guide is a resource designed to help air sensor users learn the importance of collocation evaluation and the steps required to conduct a successful collocation. This process will assist users in understanding the data produced by air sensors in comparison to regulatory-grade monitors.
Air Sensor Collocation Instruction Guide (also available in Spanish)
Air Sensor Collocation Opportunities
Several regulatory air monitoring agencies have established sites that can accommodate air sensor collocations. Each collocation site is independently operated; eligibility, logistics, and the pollutants measured will vary. These sites enable individuals, communities, researchers, Tribal agencies, and air monitoring agencies to conduct more successful, informative, and quality-assured air sensor projects because air sensor performance can be checked up front.
Air Sensor Collocation Opportunities
Sensor Collocation Macro Analysis Tool
EPA’s Excel-based macro analysis tool was created to help community scientists and other non-experts compare data from air sensors with data from regulatory monitors and interpret their results.