Overview
Air pollution background concentration maps are published by Defra and the Devolved Administrations to assist local authorities in carrying out Review and Assessment of local air quality as part of their duties under the Environmental Act 1995 as amended by the Environment Act 2021.
The main purpose of the background maps is to provide estimates of background concentrations for specific pollutants. These can then be used in air quality assessments to better understand the contribution of local sources to total pollutant concentrations. They provide information on how pollutant concentrations change over time and across a wide area; they also provide an estimated breakdown of the relative sources of pollution. The maps allow for the assessment of new pollutant sources that are introduced into an area and the impact they may have upon local air quality.
Background maps are updated by Defra periodically due to updates to underlying data, including emissions factors. Local authorities should use the most up-to-date data and supporting tools made available.
Current Version
Documents
2021 Reference Year Background Maps
Hosted on www.uk-air.defra.gov.uk
Background Maps User Guide
Released: November 2024 (PDF, 743KB, 46 pages)
Previous Version
Documents
2018 Reference Year Background Maps
Hosted on www.uk-air.defra.gov.uk
Background Maps User Guide
Released: May 2019 (PDF, 0.9MB, 40 pages)
Details
Whilst local authorities are advised to use the latest version of the background maps for all future work, in support of ongoing work, the previous version of the background maps has been provided. For years earlier than 2018 visit the UK-Air Background Maps homepage for more information.
For older versions of the Background Maps User Guide please contact the LAQM Helpdesk for further assistance.
