This Google Maps Feature Will Show Air Quality And Also Prepare For Wildfires: Details

Google Maps is adding a new feature called air quality feature that shows trusted data from government agencies, in a bid to make sure its users get fresh air.

This means Google Maps users on both Android and iOS will be able to see Air Quality Index. Image: Google

Google Maps is adding a new feature called air quality feature that shows trusted data from government agencies, in a bid to make sure its users get fresh air. The new feature on Google Maps is debuting in the US for Android and iOS users and will show the air quality whether it's smoky, smoggy, or bad. There is now word from the company on the feature's arrival to other countries or India.

"When you're visiting a new place or planning outdoor activities, it can be helpful to know the air quality conditions — like whether it’s unusually smoggy. Check out the air quality layer on Google Maps for both Android and iOS, to help you make more informed decisions about whether it’s safe to go on a hike or other outdoor adventures," Can Comertoglu, Product Manager, Google Maps and Nofar Paled Levi, Product Manager, Google Search wrote in a blog post.

This means Google Maps users on both Android and iOS will be able to see Air Quality Index (AQI) -- a measure of how healthy (or unhealthy) the air is, along with guidance for outdoor activities, when the information was last updated, and links to learn more.

"We are also showing air quality information from PurpleAir, a low-cost sensor network which gives a more hyperlocal view of conditions. To add the air quality layer to your map, simply tap on the button in the top right corner of your screen, then select Air Quality under Map details," Comertoglu and Levi added.

While Google Maps rolls out the ability to view the air quality, it will also let users view the information from PurpleAir on Nest displays and speakers. This also means that the coverage of PurpleAir sensors will let more people in the US access vital air quality information directly from their Nest devices.

Google Maps to prepare for wildfires too?

In recent years, wildfires have intensified and increased across the US and other countries around the world and perhaps that's why Google Search interest in “Best air filters for wildfire smoke” and “Best mask for wildfire smoke” has doubled over the past year in the US alone. As wildfire season approaches, these Google features can help users safely navigate wildfires, according to the company.

"Before you head out, turn on the wildfire layer in Google Maps to see more details about active fires in the area thanks to our partnership with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Or, for larger wildfires, you can use Search to look up "wildfires near me", and we'll surface associated air quality information along with useful information about the fire," Comertoglu and Levi informed.

In the coming months, the tech giant is also adding smoke data across the U. from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to its air quality information on Google Search.