Google Maps unveils real-time air pollution tracker across India

Amid the global air pollution problem, Google Maps has introduced a new feature involving real-time tracking of air quality index or AQI in India. This feature, which updates every one hour, allows its users to check up on the air quality of any location across the country. Globally, this feature is available in 40+ countries.

The feature measures the pollution of a given area on a 0 to 500 scale. A colour is assigned to each scale, with green for good and red for severe.

The scale corresponds thus to air quality:

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

The AQI feature also provides insights into how air quality could affect the population. For example, if the air quality in an area is severe/very poor, it might recommend users stay indoors to remain safe.

This is just one among the many features Google Maps has introduced in India, such as AI to avoid narrow roads for four-wheelers, locating EV stations, book tickets, among others.