openSenseMap.org

openSenseMap.org is an open-source, global citizen science platform where participants use DIY environmental sensors to collect and share real-time data such as air quality, temperature, and humidity. While used worldwide, most data currently originates from Germany. The platform promotes climate awareness, STEM education, and open data, allowing communities and researchers to access and contribute environmental insights.

Problem Addressed:
Environmental monitoring often relies on sparse official stations that don’t capture fine-scale variations, limiting understanding of local pollution and heat impacts. This lack of detailed data hampers targeted climate adaptation and environmental protection efforts. openSenseMap.org democratizes data collection by enabling citizens to contribute localized measurements, filling these data gaps.

SDGs: 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action)

Relevance for Climate Action:
By crowdsourcing environmental data, openSenseMap helps identify pollution hotspots and microclimate variations, informing community-led and policy-driven climate adaptation strategies. It encourages public engagement in environmental stewardship and open science.

Real-World Pilots:
openSenseMap has engaged thousands of participants across Germany and beyond, collecting extensive datasets on air quality and temperature. The platform supports educational programs and community monitoring initiatives that promote environmental literacy and civic participation.

How It Works:

1. Participants build or purchase low-cost DIY sensors to measure environmental parameters.

2. Data is uploaded to openSenseMap.org, where it is publicly accessible.

3. Users and researchers can explore, analyse, and visualise the data to inform local climate action and education.

Developer: openSenseLab gGmbH (a non-profit organisation dedicated to maintaining and developing the platform)

Website: https://opensensemap.org

Other Related Projects:

• City Layers: Urban microclimate mapping using low-cost sensors and citizen engagement