Whether you love or loathe them, navigation systems like Google Maps play a big part in our everyday lives. The majority of navigation technologies will typically default to the fastest route to a destination, without consideration for air pollution or safety.

 

But BreezoMeter have taken things to the next level and launched a new API platform Cleanest Route, which can be incorporated into smartphone apps and in-car systems in more than 100 different countries. The tech firm has developed a network of 54,000+ sensors and satellites where they can evaluate data from up to 17 different pollutants, including traffic, dust storms and wildfires.

 

Breezometer founder and CEO, Ran Korber said it will allow consumers to “take road safety in a new direction”.

 

 

But this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about this type of technology. Back in 2019 Tenzing launched the Clean Air Tracker, free mobile tool, with the aim of helping cyclists, pedestrians and runners in London reduce their air pollution intake by finding the cleanest air route. Over 150,000 runs have been logged since it’s launch and the UK has experienced a 300% rise in the number of people cycling since the start of the pandemic.

 

Andrew Grieve, senior air quality analyst at King’s College London, said: “I’d encourage everyone to use this tool to find the quietest and lowest pollution routes for their commute, whether you’re running, walking or cycling.”

 

Did you know that runners and cyclists are at higher risk of flooding their lungs with toxic pollutants due to breathing more heavily? The ventilation rate for running is 3.5 times more than walking, and cycling is 1.86 times more than walking.

 

The state of the art tracker syncs with GPS fitness tracking app STRAVA and uses real-time air quality data, provided by King’s College London, to give users a live ‘Air Quality Score’ for their route. It automatically appears and is stored in the users profile after every activity. Not only you able to reduce your pollution exposure, but also reduce your risk of a road incident as the majority of the route have few vehicles frequent them.

 

As well as monitoring live air quality, the tracker also suggests alternative clean-air cycle routes for the most popular commuter journeys in London. The long term aim for Tenzing is to extend the tracker to people nationwide in the coming years.

 

Have you used either of these tools and have some thougths? Join the conversation on our LinkedIn what you think and whether this is something you’d use.