A framework for Air Quality Management Zones - useful GIS-based tool for urban planning: Case studies in Antwerp and Gdańsk

Abstract There is a growing recognition of the importance of proper urban design in the improvement of air flow and pollution dispersion and in reducing human exposure to air pollution. However, a limited number of studies have been published so far focusing on the development of standard procedures which could be applied by urban planners to effectively evaluate urban conditions with respect to air quality. To fill this gap, a new approach for the determination of urban Air Quality Management Zones (AQMZs) was proposed and presented based on two case studies: Antwerp, Belgium and Gdansk, Poland. The main objectives of the study were to 1) formulate a theoretical framework for the management of urban ventilation potential and human exposure to air pollution and to 2) develop methods for its implementation by means of a geographic information system (GIS). As a result of the analysis, the typologies that may be associated with decreased ventilation potential and the areas that require close monitoring due to potential human exposure to air pollution were identified for both cities. It is advocated that delimiting these typologies – combined with investigating local climate, wind and topography conditions and air pollution characteristics – could constitute a preliminary step in the urban planning process aimed at air quality improvement. These methods can be further applied to other urban areas in order to indicate where detailed studies are required and to facilitate the development of planning guidelines. Moreover, the directions for further research and urban planning strategies were discussed.