Google Weather Could Start Crowdsourcing Citizen Scientists for Better Weather Data

Urian B., Tech Times 29 June 2023, 08:06 pm

Google could take a different approach to making its weather predictions more accurate. Instead of solely relying on its own data, the company could now start opening up its doors to start crowdsourcing from citizen scientists to get more accurate data.

Google to Launch New Heat Alerts Feature to Give Users More Data at the Front and Center of Search Results

According to the story by Android Police, this comes as there isn't really a need for experts to tell people that the world is heating up. This is because people can automatically feel the temperature around them.

When this happens, most people turn to the internet to look for more information regarding what's happening with the weather. This is where Google comes in, and as per the report, it is often the first solution that they turn to.

In March, Google launched its new heat alerts feature, which would help give its users more information at the front and center of their search results. More recently, it seems like the company is trying to refine that data and make it more accurate through crowdsourcing.

Google App will Now Ask Users Questions Regarding the Weather

It was also reported that the Google app was spotted showing questions about the weather conditions. With this, users would be able to enter weather data, similar to search box queries.

This includes simple questions like asking users, "is it raining now?" according to the findings of 9to5Google. It was noted that users would then be able to answer with either a "yes" or "no" button located next to them.

It was also noted that Google was likely looking for public participation in order for it to be able to monitor weather, especially in specific locations. The feature would also be able to help give the Weather app more crowdsourced data.

The Crowdsourced Data is Expected to Help Google Improve Its Offerings

9to5Google also notes that the questions won't always show up on the user's search results, which would avoid making the feature annoying for some people. The data from community feedback will reportedly help give Google Weather app more information for it to improve the data that it shows.

With the help of crowdsourced data, the Google Weather app is expected to be more precise and more reliable. It was noted that crowdsourcing is capable of collecting weather data coming from wide locations at higher frequencies compared to the usual traditional weather stations.

The New Feature Helps Google Expand Its Data Pool Aside from Just 'The Weather Channel'

It was also noted that the feature could also be very useful, especially in certain locations where the weather infrastructure remains limited. It was noted that crowdsourcing temperature could work in multiple settings no matter if it's hot or if it's raining.

The data will also reportedly be able to guide more targeted investments, according to Android Police, and interventions that are trying to help users when it comes to extreme weather preparations. So far, Google still relies on The Weather Channel for weather info but it plans to add to that with the help of crowdsourcing.