Author(s)

M. Mavroulidou, S.J. Hughes & E.E. Hellawell

Abstract

A qualitative approach is presented, which can be used as a preliminary decision tool for assessing air quality related to traffic. It is based on the interaction matrix method, originally developed for rock engineering systems. The method incorporates a total systems approach, which identities and quantifies interactions between the various parameters involved in a particular system. The paper demonstrates how the methodology could be applied to urban air quality related to traffic, using an interaction matrix with a reduced number of variables. Possible ways of obtaining weighting factors for the variables are discussed. The subsequent necessary stages for the implementation of the technique (i.e. the computer coding of the interaction matrix, and the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce vulnerability maps) are also explained. The technique shows promise for the development of a simple, versatile and fast qualitative decision tool, which can be used by transport planners to assess current air quality, and to perform easily and fast what-if-scenarios for future transport planning.

Keywords