Google Maps gets an Air Quality Index layer to show air quality

Google Maps is getting better with every update it gets along the way. It keeps you updated about the traffic ahead, looks out for roads with faster commutes, and helps avoid tolls among others. With the latest update in mind, Google maps will let you ascertain the air quality of the place you are at. Available for both iOS and Android, Google Maps’ air quality layer is an amazing addition to the overall navigation app.

Go to the location you want to find the air quality index (AQI), tap on the layers option in the top-right corner, and select “Air Quality”. The app will overlay a new layer called Air Quality Index that gives you the actual AQI of the place. It gives you an estimate that you can expect a smoky, smoggy, wonderful, or bad AQI outdoors. The range is from 0 to 400+ and from green to red and you can read more about it from the link given below. It even gives you information on when the AQI was updated the last time for any region.

According to the reports, Google Maps has paired up with government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and uses PurpleAir, a low-cost sensor network that gives out information with a hyperlocal view about the AQI.

The particular layer started rolling out in the US and has arrived in some other countries including India at the moment. There’s a wildfire layer onboard too that will debut in the U.S. during summer when the wildfire is prone. Google Maps has paired with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in order to detect and showcase wildfires and the necessary information will be shown automatically.