Measurement and mapping of air pollution by drone for Erzincan province

This thesis aims to monitor and map the air quality of Erzincan province using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with low-cost sensors. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and transportation activities in recent years have significantly increased air pollution levels, posing serious threats to public health. In this context, accurate and detailed monitoring of air quality is crucial for ensuring environmental sustainability. In this study, an integrated measurement system was developed using the DHT11 (temperature and humidity), MQ-7 (carbon monoxide), MQ-135 (air quality – CO₂, VOCs, etc.), MQ-131 (ozone), and Sharp GP2Y1010AU0F (particulate matter – PM₂.₅) sensors. This system is mounted on a UAV platform and flown along predetermined routes to collect data from various locations. The collected data are visualized using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, enabling spatial analysis of air pollutants and the identification of potential pollution sources. Moreover, the obtained air quality data are evaluated in terms of their potential impacts on public health. In particular, the short- and long-term health risks of carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter are interpreted based on findings from the literature. This study demonstrates that effective environmental monitoring can be achieved through low-cost technologies and aims to contribute to the policy-making processes of local governments and decision-makers. It also provides a scientific foundation for the development of early warning systems to protect public health.