Web application to model and visualise the spread of traffic pollution

City decision-makers have limited ability to assess the actual impact of transportation systems on air quality because available pollution detectors provide only general data and do not allow for determining the share of emissions generated by vehicle traffic. Tools that would enable analysis based on current and detailed road traffic data are lacking. Therefore, with the GRASS-NEXT project, implemented under the Polish-Norwegian Research Programme, we developed a web-based system that integrates data from portable TOPO detectors, which record detailed road traffic data for 10 vehicle categories, as well as weather and environmental data. These resources form the basis of a pollutant dispersion model, which uses the Gaussian Plume Model to calculate diffusion coefficients and total emissions of individual compounds, presenting the results on contour maps. The software was developed using multiple programming technologies, including TypeScript, Angular, Node.js, Java Spring Boot, and C + + . The solution innovatively combines data from mobile traffic detectors with a dynamic emissions model, enabling a precise presentation of the impact of real-world transportation systems. The application provides both visualisations and specific emission values in μ g / m 3 , creating a tool that addresses a gap in existing analytical systems. The system supports environmental management and transportation planning processes, enabling the assessment of the consequences of various urban logistics measures, such as vehicle access restrictions or the development of unloading infrastructure.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
SoftwareX
Published
2026-01-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2025.102493
Primary Topic
Vehicle emissions and performance
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Web application to model and visualise the spread of traffic pollution

Patryk Górka, Stanisław Iwan, Wojciech Konicki, Karolina Nadolska et al.
SoftwareX
Vehicle emissions and performance
article

Web application to model and visualise the spread of traffic pollution

Patryk Górka, Stanisław Iwan, Wojciech Konicki, Karolina Nadolska, Krzysztof Małecki, Michał Żuchora
article en

Abstract

City decision-makers have limited ability to assess the actual impact of transportation systems on air quality because available pollution detectors provide only general data and do not allow for determining the share of emissions generated by vehicle traffic. Tools that would enable analysis based on current and detailed road traffic data are lacking. Therefore, with the GRASS-NEXT project, implemented under the Polish-Norwegian Research Programme, we developed a web-based system that integrates data from portable TOPO detectors, which record detailed road traffic data for 10 vehicle categories, as well as weather and environmental data. These resources form the basis of a pollutant dispersion model, which uses the Gaussian Plume Model to calculate diffusion coefficients and total emissions of individual compounds, presenting the results on contour maps. The software was developed using multiple programming technologies, including TypeScript, Angular, Node.js, Java Spring Boot, and C + + . The solution innovatively combines data from mobile traffic detectors with a dynamic emissions model, enabling a precise presentation of the impact of real-world transportation systems. The application provides both visualisations and specific emission values in μ g / m 3 , creating a tool that addresses a gap in existing analytical systems. The system supports environmental management and transportation planning processes, enabling the assessment of the consequences of various urban logistics measures, such as vehicle access restrictions or the development of unloading infrastructure.

SoftwareXVol. 33
West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (PL), Maritime University of Szczecin (PL), Zakład Mechaniki Maszyn (Poland) (PL)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 97%
Vehicle emissions and performance
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Web application to model and visualise the spread of traffic pollution — Patryk Górka, Stanisław Iwan, et al. · SoftwareX (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS