Know about pollution on route to your destination; Google Maps to provide Air Quality Index

Google Maps which provides real-time GPS navigation, traffic, etc., will provide information of the level of air pollution at the destination from now on. There will also be an explanation of how air quality affects health. The feature is in an updated version of Google Maps. The service will be available on Both Android and iPhones. It can be downloaded from the Play Store.

Globally, this feature is available in 40+ countries, including India. If air pollution is high in the area, Google Maps will warn or suggest a less polluted route.

Google Maps collects basic information from the central and state pollution control boards. The index will vary depending on the wind speed, direction and topography. Normal Air quality indicators are updated within 24 hours. The one on Google Maps will be updated every hour.

Different color, number

• Turn on Google Maps and type in where to go. The color on the map changes depending on the level of air pollution in the area
• The green colour indicates safe air. Yellow is air of moderate quality. If it's red, it's highly polluted. It is worse if it's purple

Numbers from zero to 500 will also be shown on the map.

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Satisfactory
• 101–200: Moderate
• 201–300: Poor
• 301–400: Very Poor
• 401–450: Severe
• above 450: Severe Plus