NZTA has developed a vehicle emissions mapping tool that automates calculation of both harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. The tool can be applied to all public roads throughout New Zealand.
The tool is housed in a geographical information system (GIS) framework so that data can readily be presented as maps. The tool extracts data from NZTA information technology systems, which builds a detailed data set of input variables for the emission calculations.
A matrix of vehicle emission factors, extracted from the New Zealand vehicle emission prediction model, is used with the input variables to calculate the mass of pollutant per length of roadway.
Vehicle emissions prediction model
Summary statistics and maps can be produced at a range of spatial scales from national to local. Data is available from 2016 and is updated on an annual basis. The tool has been used for analyses including:
Validation of the tool has involved comparing output data with local authority air pollutant emissions inventories. The results demonstrate that the tool can be used as a reliable and consistent means of generating vehicle emission datasets at various geographical scales throughout New Zealand.
Documentation on the development of the vehicle emission mapping tool are referenced below.
For further information on the tool, contact Environment@nzta.govt.nz
