Our New Token Model

We are releasing today our new and final token model. As explained in the document, it will not come into force immediately, rather as soon as the network testing phase is completed and a corresponding rewards allocation is exhausted, which could take a few more weeks. 

In the meantime, we will set up an AMA in order to answer as many questions as possible and enrich the FAQ section on our website. Ahead of this, here is my attempt to illustrate the key points.

Although the model contains a fairly large number of rules and definitions, its guiding principles can be spelled out in a few lines:

• Planet tokens are earned in return for data streams from sensors connected to our network,
• We define four types of sensors based on their specs and use cases. For each type, we set a target number of streams per day and a token value for each stream,
• Two of our sensor types refer to outdoor, fixed (as opposed to mobile/wearable) sensors. For these sensors, additional rules apply. 

Find out your air quality historical data in a Pixel

Planet earnings for outdoor fixed sensors (Type 1 and Type 2 in the token model) depend on where the sensors are installed, the presence of other sensors nearby, and their track record.

Before getting into the details, it is important to understand why we have introduced such rules. They are related to how we extract information from outdoor data and how we aim to maximize societal value out of our network.

• We aggregate and average data from outdoor fixed sensors in order to obtain reliable estimates for air quality parameters in a given territory (a city, for example). In this context there is no point in having too many sensors close to each other, nor to have areas of the city where no sensors are present. We have determined an optimal sensor density so the token model incentivizes deployments which implement the optimal sensor distribution.
• We give priority to the monitoring of densely populated areas. In this way, for a given network size we can safeguard the health of as many people as possible. Also, densely populated areas are usually the worst affected by air pollution problems. 

In order to implement the above system, we overlay upon the Earth a grid of rectangular pixels. Pixel size is 0.72 km2 (0.278 sq. mi.). Pixels are classified according to a 2-tier system:

• Tier 1: Areas with high population density
• Tier 2: Rest of the world

The classification is based on worldwide population density data made available by the European Commission under its Global Human Settlement Layer. Tier 1 pixels are those where the population density is estimated at 2,000 inhabitants per square kilometer or more (dataset here). Type 1 and Type 2 sensors placed in Tier 1 pixels would typically enjoy higher rewards (check the token model for details).

How do I know if my outdoor sensor deployment maximizes my token earnings? 

1. Open the PlanetWatch Map , click on the search button in the top right corner and insert your address. 

2. You will see a pin corresponding to your location inside a pixel.Now, click on the Tier 1 button. If the pixel corresponding to your location goes purple, it is a Tier 1 pixel.

3. Click again on the Tier 1 button to toggle back to the normal view. If the pixel corresponding to your location is colored, this means that some PlanetWatch sensors are currently active in the area. If not, you have a chance to become a Pioneer in that pixel (ref. token model)!

4. Finally, click on your pixel. A new frame will pop up displaying air quality historical data. Near the bottom, you will see how many Type 1 and Type 2 sensors are active in the pixel. If there are zero Type 1 or less than five Type 2 ones, your sensor has a chance to achieve Lead status (ref. token model) as soon as you activate it!

What about Type 3 and Type 4 air quality measurement devices?

For indoor or wearable sensors the pixel structure does not apply. Why? Again, this is related to the way we extract value from data. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 sensors, indoor and wearable ones deliver data which provide useful information on an individual basis, with no need for large-scale aggregation. Their data help assess the impact of individual lifestyles and house/building management habits on people’s well-being and exposure to pollutants. For this reason, we put no strict constraints on their spatial distribution, subject to some restrictions stated in our General Terms of sale and delivery:

PlanetWatch reserves the right to disconnect from its network and terminate participation to its rewards program for any sensor which appears to be installed in unsuitable locations and/or operated for the sole purpose of earning rewards. Examples include:

• Sensors meant for outdoor use which appear to be installed indoors, or vice versa,
• More generally, all sensors which appear to be installed in unsuitable locations, e.g. in close proximity of pollution sources, in places with reduced air circulation, etc.
• Two or more sensors of the same type operated by a single user in close proximity to one another, so that their aggregate data provide essentially the same information as obtained from the data of a single sensor

The bottomline is: Planets are earned in return for useful, valuable data. Clearly, putting several identical sensors next to each other adds no value to the data from one single sensor, so please refrain from doing this and help us keep PlanetWatch data valuable!

What’s Next for PlanetWatch?

Next week we’ll release our full White Paper. The token model is just a section of it. We have a number of additional cool announcements in the pipeline, regarding Planet listing, partnerships for network expansion, governance and more. 

Stay tuned and look after our Planet!