Is Google Maps Air Quality Data Reliable We Tested It!

Is Google Maps' Air Quality Feature Accurate?

Google Maps has introduced a new feature that shows air quality data in real time, which is super convenient for getting an overview of your environment. But how reliable is this data, really?

To answer that, we tested it against readings from our own AirGradient monitor and found some important differences.

Here's what you need to know about how Google Maps calculates air quality and why it might not always be 100% accurate:

🌫️ Data Sources: Google Maps pulls air quality data from a mix of satellite imagery and ground-based monitoring stations. Satellite data gives a broad overview, but it may not capture the nuances of local pollution sources, like traffic or nearby factories, which ground stations can detect more precisely. So, while Google Maps provides a good general idea, it’s not as precise for specific locations.

📊 AQI Scales: Google Maps uses the U.S. EPA AQI scale to display air quality. However, different countries use different AQI systems, which can lead to variations in how air quality is reported. For example, a reading of 100 on Google Maps could mean something different than a reading of 100 in another country that uses a different scale. It’s important to understand the context of the AQI system being used.

📍 Real-time vs. Averages: One thing we noticed is that Google’s air quality data doesn’t always update in real time. This is especially noticeable during sudden events like wildfires, where air quality can change drastically within a short period. Google Maps typically shows an average over a period of time, meaning it might not reflect sudden spikes or drops in air pollution, which personal air quality monitors can capture instantly.

While Google Maps is a great tool for quickly assessing the general air quality in your area, it’s not the best option for highly accurate, up-to-the-minute data. Personal air quality monitors like AirGradient give you real-time, hyper-local data, which is especially useful in environments where air quality can change rapidly.

Have you tried using the air quality feature on Google Maps? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments! 👇

#AirQuality #GoogleMaps #AirGradient