We are excited to announce the beta release of the **Environmental Insights** Python package, which accompanies the publication of our research paper: [**"Environmental Insights: Democratizing access to ambient air pollution data and predictive analytics with an open-source Python package"**](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364815224001920). This release aims to provide users with an accessible and powerful tool for analysing ambient air pollution data and performing predictive analytics.
Key Features
- **Data Accessibility**: Easily access historical and real-time air pollution data with just a few lines of code. The package supports retrieving data for various air pollutants, including NO<sub>2</sub>, O<sub>3</sub>, PM<sub>10</sub>, PM<sub>2.5</sub>, and SO<sub>2</sub> both at a national scale for England and globally.
- **Machine Learning Forecasting**: Utilise a built-in machine learning model to forecast future air pollution conditions, leveraging data-driven approaches validated through extensive research. The model addresses spatial sparsity and temporal data gaps, providing users with reliable predictions.
- **Air Quality Index**: Generate and visualise Air Quality Indexes (AQI) using the UK Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) methodology. This feature helps communicate complex data in an understandable format for stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public.
- **Scenario Analysis**: Empower users to explore hypothetical air pollution scenarios, such as changes in traffic patterns or meteorological conditions, and assess their impact on air quality.
- **Interactive Visualizations**: Enhance user engagement through dynamic visualisations that allow stakeholders to explore air pollution data and its implications interactively.
Use Cases
- **Health and Ecosystem Assessments**: Analyse the impact of air pollution on human health and ecosystems, facilitating informed decision-making for public health interventions and environmental protection measures.
- **Public Engagement and Policy Advocacy**: Support non-professional stakeholders, including citizen communities and advocacy groups, in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes related to air quality.
- **Urban Planning and Economic Analysis**: Provide valuable insights for urban planners and economists to understand air pollution's effects on property values, healthcare costs, and overall economic productivity.
Beta Release Notes
This beta release is a preliminary version intended for testing and feedback. Users are encouraged to explore the package's features, report any issues, and provide feedback to help us improve the package before the stable release. Your insights are invaluable in making this tool more robust and user-friendly.
Getting Started
- **Installation**: Install the package via pip:
bash
pip install environmental-insights
Available via PyPI: [Environmental Insights Homepage](https://pypi.org/project/environmental-insights/#description)
**Full Changelog**: https://github.com/berrli/Environmental-Insights/commits/v0.2.1b