--- title: Site Selection & Clustering description: "Site Selection & Clustering\nSite Checklist \nSite Assignment & Cluster Creation\nSelecting the Correct Provision Type\nStarting and Stopping Sampling\nHelpful Links" --- [Skip to content](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/site-selection-clustering#main-content) [More support](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en-us) [Customer portal](https://support.pollensense.com/tickets?hsLang=en-us) [Sign in](https://support.pollensense.com/_hcms/mem/login?redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.pollensense.com%2Fsensor-support%2Fsite-selection-clustering&hsLang=en-us) ![Logotype_tm](https://support.pollensense.com/hubfs/Logotype_tm.svg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [More support](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://support.pollensense.com/tickets) - [Sign in](https://support.pollensense.com/_hcms/mem/login?redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.pollensense.com%2Fsensor-support%2Fsite-selection-clustering) Pollen Sense Knowledge Base - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. 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[Getting started](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/getting-started?hsLang=en-us) # Site Selection & Clustering ### Table of Contents - [Site Checklist](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/site-selection-clustering#Site-checklist) - [Site Assignment & Cluster Creation](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/site-selection-clustering#Site-assignment) - [Selecting the Correct Provision Type](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/site-selection-clustering#selecting) - [Starting and Stopping Sampling](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/site-selection-clustering#starting) - [Helpful Links](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/site-selection-clustering#helpful) --- ### **Site Checklist** #### **Important:** Failure to follow this checklist may result in device damage or inaccurate sensor readings. - **Internet Access** – Ensure the location has access to a stable Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. - **Debris Sources** – Keep away from dust vents, dense foliage, or anything that may skew the readings. - **Airflow** – Avoid vents, fans, AC units, or anything that could blow particles directly into the sensor. - **Obstructions** – Choose an open space, away from walls, trees, or large furniture that may block airflow. - **Moisture Risks** – Stay clear of areas exposed to water spray (sprinklers, fountains, humidifiers, etc.). - **Traffic** – Avoid high foot or vehicle traffic to reduce tampering and contamination. - **Stable Mounting Surface** – Make sure the mounting surface is solid and free of vibrations. - **Security** – Consider using a small lock if tampering is a concern. **Note:** If you are unsure of where to deploy your sensor, please reach out to us via email to [support@pollensense.com](mailto:support@pollensense.com). One of our technicians can help you decide on the most optimal location you have available. ### Site Assignment & Cluster Creation **Sites and Clustering:** A **Site** is a physical location you define where a sensor collects and uploads particulate data. This data is permanently tied to the Site where it was collected and **does not move with the sensor**. You can view Site data at [portal.pollensense.com](http://portal.pollensense.com/) under the **Organization** tab. A **Cluster** has improved accuracy as you can assign **multiple sensors to a single Site**. Sensors in a Cluster must be placed **side by side, no more than 1 meter apart**. For instructions on assigning a sensor or Cluster to a Site, see [**Site Assignment via Particle Sense**](https://pollensense.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PSS/pages/69271659).   ### Selecting the Correct Provision Type When assigning your sensor to a Site, it’s important to choose the correct **Provision Type** to ensure accurate data reporting. Use the chart below to determine the appropriate option: | Location | Provision Type | | --- | --- | | Outdoors | Outdoor Ambient | | Indoors | Indoor Residential |   > *Note: Additional Provision Types are available but require approval from a Pollen Sense Technician before use.* ### **Starting and Stopping Sampling** Once your sensor is assigned to a Site, it's ready to begin collecting data. 1. **Check the media cartridge:** Ensure the media cartridge (tape cassette) is properly seated by applying light pressure to the center circle. 2. **Start sampling:** In the Particle Sense app, open the sensor’s **Manage** page and toggle **Collect Samples** to **On**. 1. It may take a moment to update—pull down to refresh if needed. Once sampling begins, you’ll hear the internal fan and see the tape start to advance. 3. **View collected data:** Images and particle counts are viewable at [portal.pollensense.com](http://portal.pollensense.com/) under the sensor’s assigned Site. 4. **Stop sampling:** When you're done collecting data, toggle **Collect Samples** to **Off** in the app, and remove the sensor from its Site if needed. ### Helpful Links [Pollen Sense Portal](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/pollen-sense-portal-overview?hsLang=en-us) [**Service Manual**](https://pollensense.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PSS/pages/371785733) [Sensor Mounting Options](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/sensor-mounting-instructions?hsLang=en-us) [Media Cartridge Installation Guide](https://pollensense.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PSS/pages/69370156/Media+Cartridge+Installation+Guide) [**Connecting to Wi-Fi via Particle Sense**](https://pollensense.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PSS/pages/69107948) [**Frequently Asked Questions**](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/-temporary-slug-3a919d0e-81c3-450c-8812-85df747d302b?hsLang=en-us) - [Getting started](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/getting-started?hsLang=en-us) - [General](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/general?hsLang=en-us#main-content) - [Portal](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/general?hsLang=en-us#portal) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/troubleshooting?hsLang=en-us) - [FAQs](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/faqs?hsLang=en-us#main-content) - [Aerobiology](https://support.pollensense.com/sensor-support/faqs?hsLang=en-us#aerobiology) [![Pollen Green-Icon](https://support.pollensense.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pollen%20Green-Icon.png?width=75&height=75&name=Pollen%20Green-Icon.png "Pollen Green-Icon")](https://pollensense.com) Pollen Sense [mailto:support@pollensense.com](mailto:support@pollensense.com) Copyright © 2025,