Everything you need to know about Google Maps’ new wildfire feature

Google has greatly expanded its information provision in the field of forest fires. On Google Maps you can now see not only that a forest fire is taking place, but also what you can expect from this and how to reach the emergency services.

Inadequately prepared for forest fires

Experts said it this month: our country is insufficiently prepared for major forest fires. Wildfires increase as the climate changes. Experts expect that we will increasingly have uncontrollable fires in the future. Unlike other countries, we have considerably less room to let those wildfires rage quietly. Extra information facilities are therefore essential, especially in a country that originally lives with water, not fire.

The forest fire information can also be useful on vacation. Recently there was a huge forest fire near the Costa del Sol, one of the most popular holiday destinations for the Dutch. Many people had to be evacuated. It is therefore handy that you are aware of what is coming your way in your (rental) car in order to either choose a different route or pack your bags.

Forest fires on Google Maps

Until now, Google Maps has always been very much based on the streets and buildings. Now that that’s under control, Google is looking at how it can better serve other areas and areas. Google Maps will be expanded with an option to create an address, if you live in an addressless area. Maps also maps out how the foliage is. More trees means more cooling, which is important against the heat. The third new capability is a more comprehensive way to view forest fires.

It’s nice that Google Maps is being expanded, but the reason for it is actually not positive at all. Google writes that it comes with this new possibility because of climate change. Forest fires will only increase due to global warming. Google wants to use this feature to make communities safer and more sustainable. The new wildfire layer on Maps, which will be rolled out this week. This allows you to see all the major forest fires in the world. By large is meant: forest fires that cause evacuations.

Read more useful tips to use Google Maps here

Earth Engine

With the help of red spots and pins you can see where sources of fire are and how far they have developed. Google uses a combination of different things for this information. First, it uses satellites, allowing the world map to be updated every hour. The information is processed by Google’s analysis platform Earth Engine. In addition, it uses resources all over the internet to piece together more information.

If you tap on a forest fire in Google Maps, you will see, among other things, how much area has been burned. You will also find out what percentage of the fire is under control. You can also find information about the evacuation procedure. Finally, you can count on links to the emergency services, so that you can immediately contact someone if you are in distress due to the fire.

Internet connection required

There is one problem: the forest fire map is only updated when you are online. Typically something you are not exactly when you drive in these kinds of areas. Moreover, the fire often causes power plants or internet towers to get into trouble. Hopefully, Google will soon come up with a solution for this.

In the United States, by the way, the function is more extensive. Here you can also see small fires. Logical, because in the United States in 2020 alone 10,000 houses went up in smoke. An important possibility, which will probably also come to Australia soon. At this time, there is no plan to make that feature available in the rest of the world. That’s a shame, because in Spain, Greece and Portugal, for example, forest fires come in all shapes and sizes. The small scale of these countries is probably the reason that they are not yet on the Google role.

Forest fires are not very normal in the Netherlands, but that could change in the future. Plus, when you’re on vacation, you have more reasons to keep Google Maps handy in your search for a cooling ice cream. Stay safe!