Two new datasets available through AURIN map estimated air pollution and population exposure across metropolitan Melbourne. They give researchers a detailed view of local pollution patterns to support studies in public health, environmental health and urban planning.
Developed by the Geospatial Informatics and Intelligence Group (GISail) at RMIT University, in collaboration with the AURIN RMIT Urban Dynamics (RUDY) Node, the High-resolution PM2.5 in Melbourne Metropolitan Area collection focuses on fine airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller, known as PM2.5. It covers Melbourne’s 2024–25 warm season, from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.
What the datasets show
Researchers can explore Melbourne’s air quality through two complementary datasets:
- Modelled PM2.5 concentrations: estimates fine particle pollution at a resolution of 100 metres. This allows researchers to examine differences within and between suburbs and identify areas with higher estimated pollution levels.
- Population-weighted PM2.5 exposure: combines pollution estimates with population distribution data. This helps researchers assess exposure across communities by accounting for where people live.
Comparing these maps can help researchers identify where higher pollution levels overlap with populated areas. The estimates cover the 2024–25 warm season and do not represent current air quality or individual exposure.
How researchers can use the collection
Researchers can investigate local air pollution patterns and their implications for health and planning. Potential applications include:
- Comparing estimated pollution levels and exposure across Melbourne’s suburbs.
- Exploring how air quality relates to land use and the built environment.
- Combining exposure estimates with demographic data to examine differences between population groups.
- Using suitable health data to study links between pollution exposure and health outcomes.
These studies could help planners and policymakers identify communities facing greater exposure and determine where further investigation or action may be needed.
For research into overlapping environmental pressures, GISail’s Heat Vulnerability Index datasets are also available through AURIN. Using these alongside the PM2.5 estimates could support studies of heat vulnerability and air pollution. Researchers should first check that the geographic coverage, time periods and methods match their study.
How the datasets were developed
The team used land-use regression, a statistical method that examines relationships between measured pollution levels and the surrounding environment.
The model used ground-level PM2.5 observations, along with satellite-derived environmental data and weather information. The team also included land-use indicators and features of the built environment.
After aligning these sources to a common geographic basis, the team used the model to estimate PM2.5 concentrations at 100-metre resolution. They then combined the estimates with population data and Australian Bureau of Statistics mesh block boundaries to produce the population-weighted exposure dataset.
Created in 2026, these estimates cover the 2024–25 warm season. Updates are made only as needed, rather than on a regular schedule.
Access the data through AURIN
Both datasets are openly available through the AURIN Data Provider. Visit the collection page to download the files and review the methods, licence and attribution requirements.
By making these research outputs available for further use, AURIN connects RMIT’s expertise with researchers who can build on the work. This supports the development of evidence to inform urban policy and planning.
Access the Melbourne air quality data
Data credit: GISail and the AURIN RMIT Urban Dynamics (RUDY) Node (2026), High-resolution PM2.5 in Melbourne Metropolitan Area.
AURIN is funded by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).