R is a freely available programming language, designed from the ground-up to make working with data easier and more reproducible. The language is widely used in the public and private sectors, in industries as wide ranging as financial services, healthcare, research, consultancy, journalism, and more. Data analysts and scientists in major companies like Google, Airbnb and Meta all use R to help gain extra insight from their data.

 "openair" is a package written in R, designed specifically for the analysis of air quality data. It is used worldwide by air quality practitioners in academia, government and industry to learn more about their long-term measurement data. Functionality includes the ability to examine and visualise air quality time series and trends, as well as perform "directional analysis" to understand potential pollution sources. openair also provides easy access to air quality data in the UK from nationally and locally managed air quality networks.

We are introducing new Air Quality Quick Start Guides (QSG) covering topics relevant to local authority officers in an easy to digest format. These QSGs are ideal for those who are new to Local Air Quality Management or want to get up to speed with the latest regulations and information relating to air quality. Topics to be covered include Air Quality Standards and Objectives, air pollutants of particular concern, introduction to the Local Air Quality Management Framework including Monitoring and Assessment, Annual Status Reports, Air Quality Management Areas, Air Quality Action Plans and Air Quality Strategies.