What is a Virtual Zephyr?
Unlike Zephyrs, Virtual Zephyrs are not physical sensors. They are modelled data points powered by our state-of-the-art MappAir modelling system.
Virtual Zephyrs allow you to drop a virtual monitor on the map and start recording air quality data immediately, just like a physical monitor would. But VZs use highly accurate modelled data - estimates produced by our own advanced air quality model, MappAir.
What can I use them for?
They are ideal for understanding air quality in areas that traditional air quality monitoring may not be possible. Or to provide a low-cost alternative to traditional monitoring for places such as schools with limited funding.
Virtual Zephyrs capture modelled NO₂ and PM₂.₅, SO₂, and O₃ data, alongside weather information. They can also be used alongside existing physical air quality monitors, to expand and enhance an air quality monitoring network.
Be cautious when using virtual Zephyrs where there are very dynamic emissions that our modelling may not capture well. MappAir is unlikely to pick up temporary traffic incidents, certain industrial emissions, or very local ad-hoc events, such as a bonfire. It may be best to use a Zephyr to measure conditions of transient events in these situations.
How do I set up a Virtual Zephyr?
Navigate to: https://portal.earthsense.co.uk/login.
Click “Location”.
Select “Add Virtual Zephyr” from the product inventory to attach a VZ pin to your cursor.
Follow the prompts on the screen to help locate and drop your Virtual Zephyr in the desired location.
After you have dropped the pin you have the option to either:
- Add a recognisable name to the Virtual Zephyr and create by selecting “Add” in the left panel.
- Fine-tune the location by selecting the pin again to move.
Pro Tip - Drop the pin in the rough location, then scroll / zoom the map before dragging the VZ pin to the exact location you wish to monitor.
After deployment, the VZ will start backfilling data within a couple of hours. The entire process of filling in historical data can take up to 3 days. It’s a lot of data to work through!
The Virtual Zephyr has now been added to the product inventory
Here you can edit the name
You can also delete the virtual zephyr, but be aware that recorded data will not be saved.
Here is a video to help:
How do I access the data?
Once you have created the Virtual Zephyr, you can access historical data in the ‘Analysis’ section of MyAir. Here you’ll be able to create and save beautiful analysis dashboards alongside your measurement data.
How many virtual Zephyrs can I create?
5 Virtual Zephyrs are available in the standard MyAir subscription. If you wish to have more, please get in touch with our sales team.