Google Maps Adds Air Data

Google Maps now provides air quality information for 34 districts in Bangladesh. The service uses data and technical support from the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS). Users can check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollution levels for specific locations.

September 7, Monday, CAPS made the service more accessible to the public on World Clean Air Day. Users can open Google Maps, tap the “Layers” icon and select “Air Quality.” The map then shows different locations through colours and numbers. Tapping a specific location provides its air quality information.

CAPS said data from its monitoring stations across Bangladesh are being integrated into Google’s system. The initiative aims to make updated air quality data easier to access. It also seeks to raise public awareness about the health risks of air pollution.

How the System Works

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, represents the level of different pollutants through a numerical scale. Colours and numbers help users understand whether air quality is good, moderate, unhealthy or hazardous.

CAPS is building a nationwide monitoring network to collect real-time air quality data. It currently operates live monitoring stations in 34 districts. This covers about 53 percent of Bangladesh’s 64 districts.

The districts are Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Bogura, Rajshahi, Sirajganj, Pabna, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Tangail, Dhaka, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Jashore, Barishal, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Feni, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Sylhet and Moulvibazar.

CAPS plans to install stations in the remaining districts and expand the network to all 64 districts.

Sensors Track Multiple Pollutants

Each monitoring station has several sensors. They measure temperature, relative humidity, fine particulate matter PM2.5, particulate matter PM10, total volatile organic compounds or TVOC, AQI and carbon dioxide levels.

Some stations also measure sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

According to CAPS, the stations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They send data every five minutes. Google, however, combines information from different sources and generally calculates and displays AQI on an hourly basis.

Monitoring Beyond Dhaka

Dhaka is among the world’s most polluted cities. Air pollution is usually severe from October to March, when rainfall is lower. But pollution is not limited to the capital or the dry season. Cities across Bangladesh also face varying levels of air pollution throughout the year.

CAPS has installed monitoring stations at universities, colleges and government institutions across the country. The organisation believes that working with educational institutions will also expand research and public awareness activities on air pollution.
//DBTech/CPAN/DSE/FOE//