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OpenAQ

OpenAQ
United States of America
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About

Launched: 2016
Record Updated: May 13, 2026
Open scholarly dataset
Repository service
OpenAQ is the largest open-source platform for accessing openly-licensed air quality data from around the world. The platform provides access to data through an interactive web application, the OpenAQ Explorer at explore.openaq.org, and through an API, with accompanying client libraries in Python and R to aid in access. The platform provide near real-time access and historical access to both regulatory and non-regulatory monitoring networks.

Mission

By providing universal access to air quality data, we empower a global community of changemakers to solve air inequality.

Key Achievements

Since June 2024:
1. We have expanded the number of locations from which we aggregate air quality data from ~17,600 to ~23,300.
2. Active API users have increased from ~240 quarterly to ~3,900 quarterly.
3. Active daily users of OpenAQ Explorer have increased from an annual running average of ~80 to ~230.

Technical Attributes

Maintenance Status

Actively Maintained

Open Code Repository

Implemented
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Technical Documentation

Implemented
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Code License

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Open API

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Open Data Statement

Implemented
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Open Product Roadmap

Implemented
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Technical Attribute Statements

Programming Languages

  • python
  • r
  • typescript
Other:
postgres

Technology Readiness Level

  • Actual system proven in operational environment

Code Licenses Used

  • MIT License

Content Licensing

  • Creative commons licenses

Standards

Metadata

  • JSON
  • REST

Community Engagement

Code of Conduct

Implemented
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Community Engagement

Implemented
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Community Statements

User Contribution Pathways

  • Contribute funds
  • Contribute to education or training
  • Contribute to working groups or interest groups

Community Engagement Activities

  • Blogs
  • Conference participation
  • Mailing lists and discussion forums (including Slack)
  • Social media
  • Volunteer or ambassador network
  • Webinars and training

Engagement with Values Frameworks

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals

Policies & Governance

Governance Summary

OpenAQ is a US-registered environmental tech nonprofit governed by a volunteer Governing Board responsible for high-level strategy, oversight, and accountability, with the Executive Director serving as its CEO. The Governing Board is supported by an Advisory Board.

Policies

Bylaws

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Implemented
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Privacy Policy

Implemented
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Web Accessibility Statement

In Progress

Governance Structure & Processes

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Policy Statements

Board Structure

  • Advisory board or steering committee

Board Level

  • Both

Community Governance

  • Formal

Additional Information

Organizational History

https://openaq.org/ten-years/

Organizational Structure

Business or Ownership Model

Non-profit organization

Full-time Staff

1-5

Volunteers

1-5

Non-profit Status

501(c)3

Current Affiliations

No affiliations

Funding

Primary Funding Source

  • Contributions

Financial Reporting Level

  • Both

Funding Needs

OpenAQ’s proven solution and critical service is delivered by a small team of 5. There is huge potential to sustainably scale our efforts to find and aggregate all of the worlds’ open air quality data, to run a highly reliable and resilient database, to expand our Clean Air Community Ambassador data training program, and to multiply the tools, training and support we provide to changemakers who use data to solve air inequality.
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