Google Maps AQI: The level of pollution is continuously increasing in winter and in such a situation, information about clean air becomes very important for everyone. Keeping this need in mind Google Maps has launched the ‘Air Quality Index (AQI)’ feature in India, which tells people the condition of the air around them in real-time. This feature is available on both mobile app and desktop and helps in understanding the pollution levels in an easy way with the help of colors.

Update the app and see the air quality in your area instantly

If you want to know the air quality around you, first install the updated version of Google Maps. After this, enter the name of the city or location whose air quality you want to know in the search bar. Users can also zoom to their current location to see the wind conditions. Once the map opens, tap on the ‘Layers’ icon on the right side of the screen. This icon looks like a bunch of little boxes, through which further settings can be selected.

Air quality layer will tell the complete AQI score

After going to the Layers section, select ‘Air Quality’ option. The map will then show real-time air quality readings for your city and surrounding areas. Tapping on any location will also show you the numerical AQI score, key pollutants, and health advisories for that location.

This way, whether you are planning for outdoor exercise, travel or daily work, with the help of Google Maps you can take the right decision in advance and save yourself from pollution.

How to read AQI? Know the full scale and necessary precautions

The AQI score shown in Google Maps ranges from 0 to 500. Understand its meaning this way:

• 0–50: good air


• 51–100: satisfactory


• 101–200: moderate


• 201–300: bad


• 301–400: very bad


• 401–500: serious

AQI data is updated hourly and the feature is available for many cities around the world. With this, people can decide whether they should wear a mask, go out or not, or whether it is better to stay at home.