Table 1 Summary of key citizen-based air quality monitoring projects in Asia.

AirBox (Chen et al., 2017)

To crowdsource air quality data for promoting behavioral change and improving environmental governance.

Taiwan

Academia, maker groups, local government

Monitoring site selection, sensor installation, monitoring pollution episodes

Open data policy to create more democratic digital solutions.

Data is validated by comparing it with data from EPA monitors.

Inspiring the local government to develop policies for creating IoT air pollution monitoring networks.

Assisting in the implementation of smart city policies.

DustBoy (Supasri and Sampattagul, 2019)

To expand the air quality monitoring network in Thailand.

Thailand

Academia, citizens, non-profit organizations, local government

Crowdsourcing data

Data streams are validated using a data model.

Data is used to create early warning systems with the potential to change policies related to air quality.

Pressurizing the government to create action plans to reduce air pollution.

Initiating policy discussions.

AirBox South Korea (Lee, 2019)

To develop a crowdsourcing system that provides citizens with environmental data and enriches air quality governance.

South Korea

Local government, researchers, and citizens

Sensor installation, monitoring air pollution incidents

Validated data is used for raising awareness and creating education programs.

Complementing environmental education in schools.

Respirer Living Sciences (Science, 2020)

To understand the use of air quality sensing solutions for policy and government use.

India

A startup company, academia, and non-profit organization

Sensor installation at pollution hotspots

Sensor data is scientifically evaluated with reference instruments.

Helping bridge the information gap.

Data is used to support policy discussions.

PakAirQuality (Shi et al., 2020)

To raise environmental awareness and promote behavioral change.

Pakistan

Citizens, non-profit organization, a startup company

Sensor installation, crowdsourcing data

Data is mainly used for raising awareness about air pollution.

Promoting environmental awareness by collaborating with city councils and NGOs.

Safecast (Safecast, 2021)

To develop a CS-based air quality monitoring framework that fosters open processes of research co-creation and environmental action.

Japan, with limited presence in other parts of the world

Non-profit organizations, citizens, start-up company

Crowdsourcing air quality data

Portals allowing access to open data without licensing restrictions.

Advocating for data transparency and ‘pro data’ policies.

Safecast data has been recognized by policymakers at multiple levels.