Google Maps now helps you find fresh air

Screengrab by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

When planning your next hike, bike ride, or escape from smoke and smog, you can use the Air Quality layer on the maps.

The new layer uses government data to show how healthy the air is in the US Hyperlocal conditions at the street level can be reported with data collected from Purple Air's network of sensor. Clicking on the AQI readings on the map provides more information on the health impact of the air quality, time and source of the last reading.

Laser particle counters are used to measure particulates by Purple Air. Adrian Dybwad, founder of Purple Air, told The Verge in 2020 that his company's sensors became a popular way to track the smoke produced by catastrophic wildfires. A wildfire layer was added to the maps last year.

Image: PurpleAir

Hyperlocal air quality is mapped by Breezometer, as well as Purple Air. Cowboy e-bike owners rely on the company's data to avoid pollution on their commute. A claimed data resolution of 5 meters is achieved by using complex models.