In an effort to address India's growing air pollution crisis, Google, a technological giant has introduced Air View+, a new AI-powered solution aimed at providing hyperlocal air quality data to both the public and government agencies.

This initiative, launched on Wednesday, leverages Google's advanced artificial intelligence technology in collaboration with local climate tech firms to offer real-time, detailed air quality information.

The initiative, which has already been tested in a pilot phase with successful results in cities such as Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Greater Chennai provides real-time data on air quality, which can be accessed via Google Maps.

“It uses a combination of various data sources, including government data, satellite imagery, weather patterns, traffic conditions, and more. The information is fine-tuned to offer accurate, granular Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

“The ecosystem can provide valuable air quality insights to government agencies responsible for environmental monitoring and urban planning,” said Google in a blog post.

It will also provide “real-time hyperlocal air quality information in Google Maps for users across India,” it added.

“These dashboards provide air quality data for unmonitored areas and help urban planners identify hotspots and make necessary interventions,” Google said.

The data helps in monitoring areas that were previously not covered by traditional sensors, allowing for more comprehensive environmental planning.

In addition to helping government and researchers, Air View+ also gives citizens easy access to AQI information in Google Maps. Users can view the air quality of specific locations by selecting the Air Quality layer and tapping on any location on the map, or by checking the weather widget for real-time updates.

The goal is to support vulnerable groups—such as children, elderly people, and those with respiratory conditions—by giving them crucial air quality information. This can guide them in taking precautions, like wearing masks or avoiding outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

“The initiative has already been tested in a pilot phase with successful results in cities such as Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Greater Chennai. These initial partnerships with municipal corporations have shown the potential of the platform in helping local authorities tackle air pollution more effectively,” said a statement here.

By offering hyperlocal, AI-driven insights, Air View+ aims to enhance public awareness of air pollution levels and assist urban planners in creating healthier, more sustainable cities.