KT uses IoT to reduce fine dust
KT has established a fine dust observation network at 1,500 spots nationwide to collect and analyze air quality data, in a bid to help the government draw up a better policy for reducing fine dust levels, the firm said Thursday.
In a press conference held in central Seoul, the company said it has set up the observation network including 512 data collection points in Seoul at spots such as base stations and public telephone booths under the “Air Map Korea” project. The firm possesses about 5 million such sites nationwide.
The nation’s biggest fixed-line internet operator and the second-largest mobile carrier announced the start of the project last September, saying it was going to utilize internet of things (IoT) technologies and big data analytics to support the government’s fine dust policymaking.
The firm said the observation networks it has set up are mostly near residential zones, which is suitable for measuring air quality affecting daily lives.
The company also unveiled its “Air Map Platform” that analyzes air quality data sent every minute by the observation network. The platform analyzes temperature, humidity and noise level as well as fine dust.
The firm said its platform operates using the LTE-M network, specializing in IoT applications.
The platform is also designed as an open application programming interface (API), enabling the observation network to connect with air purifiers and drones for artificial rain. This makes it possible to quickly implement measures for reducing fine dust levels.
Through consultation with the government, KT plans to release a smartphone app within the year, through which the public can easily check air quality data collected by the firm and the government.
“We have begun the Air Map Korea project, based on our innovative technologies such as IoT and big data analytics, to help the government resolve fine dust issues,” said Kim Hyoung-wook, head of KT’s platform business planning office.
“KT will actively cooperate with central and regional governments as well as research centers to reduce the public health risk of fine dust.”