Modelled air quality data

Defra's air quality modelling produces a number of meteorological simulations, gridded outputs and concentrations maps. Information on the models currently being used to generate these data is available in the Science & Research section.

If you would like more information on Defra's modelled air quality data and to enquire about access to these datasets please email AQIE.Correspondence@defra.gov.uk.

National background concentration maps are available. These are 1x1 km resolution model outputs for commonly requested maps that are produced for Defra to assist in policy and reporting under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010.

» View background concentration maps available for download

Defra's air quality modelling also produces GIS shapefiles of the modelled base year roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations and roadside source apportionments for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in spreadsheet format. These are available for the years 2019 onward on the following pages:

• Data from the 2019 compliance assessment are on the 2019 base year page
• Data from the 2020 compliance assessment are on the 2020 base year page
• Data from the 2021 compliance assessment are on the 2021 base year page
• Data from the 2022 compliance assessment are on the 2022 base year page

Modelling for Local Air Quality Management

Defra makes available GIS files of Air Quality Management Areas which are produced by Ricardo Energy & Environment and are available from: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/aqma/maps/.

Modelled 1x1 km background pollutant maps are available by Local Authority from Defra's LAQM pages. These are outputs from the Pollution Climate Mapping model run by Ricardo Energy & Environment.

Tools to assist with air quality modelling including an Emissions Factor Toolkit, NO_x to NO₂ calculator and emissions screening tools are available from the LAQM pages.