The newest Update rolled out by Google to Google Maps is now helping users to get a breath of fresh air. The latest update is rolled out a new data layer which shows users the latest AQI or Air Quality Index rating of an area.
The update has been done for both the iOS and Android versions. With the new update, users can also get an idea of what the air in an area will be like: whether it is smoky, smokey, otherwise bad or simply wonderful.
The new AQI layer also includes a guide to suitable outdoor activities and also shows which outdoor activities to avoid in a more detailed preview. The new API on Google Maps also shows when the information was last updated.
Currently, the feature is only available in the United States and certain parts of Canada. The data comes from government agencies, mainly the EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency. Maps also show air quality information from PurpleAir, a low-cost sensor network that can give you a hyper-local view of conditions.
To enable this air quality level for your map, you need to tap the button in the top right corner of your phone’s screen, then select Air Quality under Map Details. PurpleAir’s information is also available on Google Nest displays and Google smart speakers.
The new update also has a Wildfire tier available in the US as Wildfire season approaches. The United States, particularly California, has had a terrible history of wildfires.
This wildfire layer update allows users to view details of active fires in the area thanks to Google’s partnership with the US National Interagency Fire Center or NIFC. For large wildfires, you can also simply search for “wildfires near me” and its details will be displayed along with air quality information. “In the coming months, Google Search will also add US smoke data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
These updates will soon be rolled out to other areas as well, depending on how vulnerable certain areas are to extreme pollution and wildfires.
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