Google Maps is rolling out a new update for iPhone and Android smartphone users this summer that will make exploring the outdoors safer. You’ll now have the option to view your local area’s Air Quality Index, along with guidance on what’s safe (or not) outside when using the app on your phone.
Data is collected from government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency in the US and PurpleAir, a network of dedicated air quality sensors, and a more localized map of current air quality is created from the data collected.
To access this new air quality information, simply open the Google Maps application and tap the square layers icon in the upper right corner and select Air quality in the lower right.
Currently, data is only available for US, Australia and some regions of India, but support for other regions is expected to be added over time. US residents will also have access to local PurpleAir information on Google Nest speakers and Google Nest hub displays.
Google will add forest fire data to Maps
Next to the Air Quality layer in Google Maps, there is the Forest Fires layer. Activating this layer will (for now) provide detailed information on nearby active fires using data from the National Interagency Fire Service in the US and agencies in other regions.
These features are not as detailed as they should be yet, so those who go out are still advised to take their own precautions.
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