Google Maps Rolls Out Real-Time Air Quality Index Feature to 100+ Countries

Highlights

• Google Maps has expanded its Air Quality Index (AQI) feature to over 100 countries
• It allows users to check real-time air quality levels.
• The AQI data on Google Maps is updated hourly and is colour-coded.
• Users can access the AQI by updating Google Maps to its latest app version.

Air quality is now a national issue in India and in many surrounding nations especially around this time of the year.

The deteriorating air quality increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer along with several other health conditions.

It is the Air Quality Index (AQI) data that is often used as a tool to understand how bad the conditions actually are.

In India, CPCB has developed a national AQI. However, now you can even get your area’s AQI from Google Maps.

Google Maps has rolled out its Air Quality Index (AQI) feature to over 100 more countries expanding beyond India.

This tool lets users check average air quality levels for their current area or travel destinations.

Some users on X (previously Twitter) shared screenshots of the new Google Maps feature.

Our little nightmare child, courtesy of Google Maps. #AQI #Delhiairpollution pic.twitter.com/3xa6CtK7IY

— Neil (@TheFakir_) November 13, 2024

This is what the pollution looks like on Google maps. The average AQI in NCR is more than 300. But who cares? In India politicians are only for blaming each other and most of the government agencies like CPCP are useless. @narendramodi @CMOfficeUP please help. Only hope is you. pic.twitter.com/9f6ps8rJYS

— Shubham Chauhan (@shubham1992105) November 13, 2024

Besides the AQI data, Google also provides helpful tips based on the latest conditions.

The data is updated every hour, with a scale from 0 to 500—0-50 meaning good air quality, while 401-500 signals severe pollution.

The breakdown of the Google Maps AQI categories is as follows –

• 0-50: Good
• 51-100: Satisfactory
• 101-200: Moderate
• 201-300: Poor
• 301-400: Very Poor
• 401-500: Severe

The Google Map’s AQI readings are colour-coded for easy reference where green is for good air quality and red is for severe pollution.

This feature can be useful for monitoring air quality and if conditions are poor, considering steps like using air purifiers.

Here’s how to check the AQI for your area:

• Open Google Maps and ensure your app is updated to the latest app version.
• Enter the location you want to check in the search bar.
• When the location appears, look for the “stack” icon below the search bar and tap it.

• A menu will open with options like ‘Public Transport,’ ‘Traffic,’ ‘Street View,’ and ‘Air Quality.’

• Select ‘Air Quality’ to view the AQI for that area.
• You can also tap anywhere on the map to get AQI for specific locations.

The AQI updates every hour, which can be helpful for users to check real-time air quality anywhere in the world at any time.

For instance, Delhi’s air quality is currently marked as “Severe” with an AQI of around 397 posing health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues. With such high AQI levels, it’s recommended to stay indoors, limit physical activities and use air purifiers when possible.

FAQS

Q1. How can users check the AQI for their area using Google Maps?

Answer. Open Google Maps and ensure your app is updated to the latest version. Enter the location in the search bar, tap the “stack” icon below the search bar, and select the ‘Air Quality’ option to view the AQI for that area.

Q2. How often is the AQI data updated on Google Maps?

Answer. The AQI data on Google Maps is updated every hour allowing users to check real-time air quality anywhere in the world at any time.

Q3. How are the AQI readings colour-coded on Google Maps?

Answer. The Google Maps AQI readings are colour-coded for easy reference: green indicates good air quality, while red signals severe pollution.

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