OMNISCIENTIS was an EU-funded research project focused on developing an innovative system for monitoring and managing unpleasant odors from industrial sources. It integrated citizen reports, advanced sensors, and modeling to provide real-time insights for authorities, industries, and communities.cordis.europa+1
Project Goals
The initiative aimed to reduce odor annoyance by empowering citizens as “human sensors” through a mobile app called OdoMap, where they could report smells in real time. It combined this with electronic noses (e-noses) for precise in-situ measurements, atmospheric dispersion models (sped up 100x for near-real-time use), and a web platform (OdoMis) for data visualization and alerts.[cordis.europa]
Key Components
- Citizen Observatory: Monthly meetings and interactive tools to encourage participation and provide feedback on complaints.[cordis.europa]
- Sensor Network: Innovative e-noses with improved pattern recognition to detect odor variations, especially from sources like wastewater treatment plants.ketmarket+1
- Information System: OdoMis platform offered maps, statistics, CSV downloads, and warnings for high-intensity odors, using open standards like OGC for interoperability.[cordis.europa]
Outcomes and Impact
Tested at sites like the Burgo Ardennes paper mill in Virton, Belgium, the system helped identify odor sources and supported evidence-based limits. Though the project ended around 2015, extensions continued, with potential for wider European rollout pending harmonized odor legislation. It enhanced local governance by promoting transparency and stakeholder collaboration.ketmarket+1
