Google Maps is rolling out the Air Quality Index, here’s how to check it
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(Pocket-lint) – Google is rolling out a new Air Quality Index layer to Google Maps on iPhone and Android, which lets you check air pollution in the US at any time.
This means that if you are planning a trip and are sensitive to pollen or other allergens/pollutants in the air, you can check the levels before you go. If a city is shrouded in smog or the air quality is really bad, you will be able to see it.
Similarly, a layer on wildfires has been added to Maps in the United States, allowing you to see how those fires have affected the air in the affected areas and how to avoid them. Data is provided by the EPA, PurpleAir and other “trusted government agencies”.
How to use the Air Quality Index layer in Google Maps?
When you open Google Maps on iPhone or Android, find a place you want to check in the United States. Then tap the layers icon in the top corner, which looks like two squares stacked on top of each other.
You’ll then see a context menu appear with the usual ability to select map types and details. Under ‘Map details’, tap on ‘Air quality’ and/or ‘Forest fires’. Once selected, you will see a color coded score. The lower the better, with anything below 50, in the green zone, being considered “good”.
How else to check?
This new feature is not only found in the Google Maps app, you can find the information just by searching in Google. Search for “Air quality near me” or “Air quality in [nom du lieu aux États-Unis]” and you will get the same detailed information.
Where is the Google Maps AQI layer available?
Currently, the Air Quality Index layer is only available for locations in the United States. The feature has not yet rolled out to other countries. However, anyone, anywhere can view it in the app, but the data will only appear for the United States.
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On which devices can I view this data?
Google has rolled out the feature to the Google Maps app for Android and iPhone. If you have it installed and you’re in the United States (or traveling to that country), you can view the data in the app. You can also use the Google app or Google Search in your web browser to specifically search for “Air quality in [nom du lieu]”.
Written by Cam Bunton.