A solution powered by artificial intelligence, called Air View+, has been announced by Google in response to India’s growing air pollution crisis for hyperlocal air quality information availability both to governments and citizens. This new tool, launched Wednesday, is another step toward awareness and action against air quality issues.
Backed by Google AI, Air View+ collaborates with local climate tech firms to deliver real-time air quality data. This includes a wide partnership with sustainability startups, researchers, climate action groups, corporations, city administrators, and the general public-a virtuous circle centered on environmental monitoring.
In a blog post, Google said Air View+ would provide “valuable air quality insights” to government agencies responsible for urban planning and environmental oversight. It will also incorporate real-time hyperlocal air quality information directly into Google Maps to be available to users throughout India.
The platform equips local municipal corporations with the data required to create their own air quality dashboards, which can then be used to keep track of areas without official monitoring. These dashboards would support urban planners in the identification of pollution hotspots and the undertaking of interventions accordingly.
Air View+ had a successful pilot last year with municipal corporations like Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Greater Chennai. According to Google, the results have been promising.
What’s more, the tool lets citizens view hyperlocal air quality on Google Maps. To create a dynamic AQI for India, Google combines data from multiple sources—sensor networks, government data, satellite imagery, weather patterns, and traffic conditions—using a multi-layered AI fusion approach that adheres to the National Air Quality Index standards.
This information is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, including young children and the elderly, enabling them to take proactive health measures, such as wearing N95 masks or limiting outdoor activities.
Access to AQI information is easy: From the Layer button on the home screen of Google Maps, select Air Quality. Tap anywhere to see data. On the Explore tab, the Weather widget will give users AQI information for their current location.
