On Wednesday, Google unveiled Air View+, a new solution aimed at bridging the gaps in air quality data throughout India. This innovative system harnesses the power of the tech giant’s artificial intelligence (AI) models to analyze vast amounts of air quality information at a hyperlocal scale, ultimately providing actionable insights for Indian government agencies. To achieve this, Google has joined forces with climate technology companies and researchers from several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to deploy specialized sensors across 150 cities in the country.
Google Introduces Air View+ to Enhance Air Quality Data Collection in India
The alarming increase of particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the Delhi NCR region has underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to address air quality issues in India. One contributing factor to this dilemma is the inconsistency of air quality data and the lack of technology capable of transforming extensive data sets into practical insights.
Google asserts that its AI-driven Air View+ initiative can effectively tackle these challenges, assisting government entities in taking proactive steps to mitigate air pollution. The company describes the solution as an ecosystem-based approach that encompasses both the collection and processing of air quality data from smaller localities and their surroundings.
In collaboration with climate tech firms Aurassure and Respirer Living Sciences, Google has developed air quality sensors that measure various pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, CO2, NO2, Ozone, and VOCs, along with temperature and humidity levels. These sensors are designed to provide minute-by-minute measurements to ensure data consistency.
This network of sensors has been established in over 150 Indian cities, strategically placed in areas with significant foot traffic, such as government buildings, commercial districts, and utility poles. Google has emphasized that researchers from IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, state pollution control boards, and climate action groups have thoroughly validated and calibrated these sensors.
The rationale for implementing this extensive sensor network is to obtain consistent hyperlocal air quality data across urban environments, with AI technology playing a crucial role in real-time data processing for the Air View+ platform.
After data processing, Google plans to relay insights and critical findings from this extensive data collection to local municipal corporations and other government bodies. This initiative is expected to assist these agencies in formulating better action plans and proactive strategies by identifying patterns associated with air quality fluctuations. Additionally, the project aims to fill data gaps in previously unmonitored areas.
Furthermore, this air quality information will be made publicly accessible through Google Maps. Users can activate the Air Quality layer from the Layer button on the home screen by selecting any location. They can also view the same data on the weather widget located in the Explore tab on the home screen.
