Google Unveils AI-Powered Air View+ to Combat Air Pollution in India
New Delhi:tech giant Google has launched a new AI-powered technology called Air View+, aimed at providing hyperlocal air quality information to help combat air pollution in India.
According to a blog post by Google, the ecosystem will offer valuable air quality insights to government agencies responsible for environmental monitoring and urban planning. Users across India will benefit from real-time hyperlocal air quality information in Google Maps.
"Air View+" empowers local municipal corporations by providing detailed air quality data, enabling them to develop in-house AQ dashboards with the help of researchers and sustainability partners. These dashboards are crucial for monitoring untracked areas and assisting urban planners in identifying pollution hotspots and implementing necessary interventions.
The technology works by integrating data from various sources such as sensor networks, government databases, satellite imagery, weather patterns, traffic conditions, and land cover to generate a dynamic and granular Air Quality Index (AQI). This model is customized to meet the specific requirements of India's National Air Quality Index (NAQI) standards.
"We have customised the model for India to reflect the methodology, categorization, and guidance as defined in the National Air Quality Index (NAQI)," said Google.
The feature enables vulnerable population groups, such as young children and the aged, to take preventive measures such as using N95 masks or limiting outdoor activities by providing information from Air View+.
A pilot run of Air View+ last year yielded highly encouraging results. The initiative has partnered with municipal corporations in Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Greater Chennai.
Air View+ will make hyperlocal air quality information accessible to the general public via Google Maps. Users can view data related to AQI on Google Maps by clicking on the Layer button located on the home screen if Air Quality is selected in it, or alternatively, by clicking the Weather widget on the Explore tab that shows AQI data for the user's location.
The launch of Air View+ marks Google's efforts to combat air pollution in India. The solution includes partnerships with sustainability startups, researchers, climate action groups, corporations, city administrators, and citizens, ensuring a comprehensive approach to air quality monitoring.
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