CrowdPM Node: Portable PM2.5 Detector & Transmitter - ECE443-Sp26

Open Source
Spring 2026

The CrowdPM Node is a mobile environmental sensing device capable of measuring PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations and tagging each reading with precise time and location data using GPS. The device aggregates samples locally and transmits either summarized or raw data via Wi-Fi to the CrowdPM backend platform (a CS capstone project), where results can be visualized and analyzed on a map. The purpose of this system is to enable dense, crowdsourced air-quality mapping that captures small-scale variations often missed by fixed monitoring stations. Traditional air-quality networks provide only coarse spatial coverage, overlooking localized pollution from traffic corridors, construction, and transient events like wildfire smoke or diesel plumes. The CrowdPM Node addresses this gap by providing a low-cost, portable solution that empowers citizens, researchers, and municipalities to collect real-time, location-aware data.

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Artifacts

Name Description
Project Poster The poster presented at the Engineering Expo.   Download
CrowdPM Node battery life timelapse Video starts at 5:30pm. Screen shuts off at 1:30am   Link
IPX 2 water resistance test IPX 2 water resistance test. 15 degree angle from vertical and 4 2.5 minute sections with 90 degrees of planar rotation for total of 10 minutes.   Link
Executive Summary Executive summary of the project.   Download
Project Document The project documentation with all of the design details.   Download
Video Overview of Project Video explaining major components, use of the node, and final thoughts   Link
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