More than 300 micro automatic monitoring stations for real-time air quality monitoring have been built and put into service in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, as a vital part of the city's move to develop intelligent environmental protection.

The micro automatic monitoring stations cover 64 local towns, major roads, and key industrial companies like Taiyuan Iron & Steel Group, forming a monitoring system for atmospheric environmental quality, according to the director of Taiyuan Environmental Monitoring Center.

Apart from six indicators related to air quality, the micro automatic monitoring stations also collect meteorological data, including wind direction and wind velocity, and humidity, as well as conducting video monitoring. Based on the data, staff members can accurately locate pollution sources and improve efficiency of environmental management.

Taiyuan will soon monitor local companies' emissions through online facilities such as laser radar, satellite remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicles as the city further advances intelligent environmental protection.