Google Maps shows 2 new layers of information about forest fires and air quality

Google announced two new ‘overlays’ for Maps in 2021. Those are layers in the map view in Maps. Unfortunately, both layers did not come to the Netherlands and Belgium, but that may soon change.

Expanding map data in Maps

In Maps you can now section map types and map data on the map. There are three map types: standard, satellite, and terrain. For the map data you can choose from public transport, traffic, cycling, 3D and Street View. Androidworld reader Tom noted in our Telegram group that there are now two types of map data: wildfires and air quality.

New layers of information about forest fires and air quality

Forest fires and air quality

In March of 2021, Google launched the layer where you can view air quality information near you or elsewhere. That layer first became available in the US, Australia and India. Later, more countries would have access to this map data.

This layer is now visible in Maps, but it does not display any information yet, but it does display the message: “There is no air quality information available for this area”. The layer is already mentioned on the Maps help page and there is a detailed explanation of air quality scales.

There is now also a layer with information about wildfires in Maps. That layer was expanded in October of 2021 with additional information. You will not only see the location of the forest fire, but also information about the evacuation procedure and emergency services. You can also see how much area has been burned and what percentage of the fire is under control.

This layer also reports that no information is available, and that is of course because there are no forest fires at the moment. In addition, they are not very common, but that will unfortunately change in the near future.

Information about wildfires in Maps

Availability of map data in the Netherlands

In addition to the layers of map data on wildfires and air quality, we are also still waiting for the weather layer. It shows the real-time weather on the map in Maps, and would become available in the Netherlands around the turn of the year 2021/2022.

We have asked Google Netherlands whether more information about the new map data in Maps will be announced soon . Androidworld will of course keep you informed!

Thanks for the tip, Tom!