# Pollen API ## What It Does The Pollen API provides real-time pollen concentration forecasts for specific locations with 1x1 kilometer resolution. Returns levels for grass, tree, and weed pollen, along with health recommendations for allergy sufferers. Data comes from pollen monitoring stations, botanical surveys, weather models, and plant phenology (bloom timing) databases across 65+ countries. ## Music Use Case: Outdoor Recording Health Planning Pollen allergies affect musicians, audio engineers, and audiences during outdoor work: **Recording session planning:** - Check pollen levels before outdoor recording days - Provide crew health advisories (antihistamines, breaks) - Schedule sensitive recordings (quiet passages, vocal takes) on low-pollen days - Document environmental conditions in session notes **Example:** Tijuana Estuary Field Recording Session ```json { "date": "2025-04-15", "location": "Tijuana River Estuary", "pollen_forecast": { "grass": "moderate", "tree": "high", "weed": "low", "recommendation": "Allergy sufferers take precautions" }, "session_notes": "High tree pollen - scheduled frequent breaks, crew took antihistamines, minimal impact on recordings" } ``` **Outdoor performance venues:** - Alert audiences about high pollen days - Plan indoor/outdoor seating arrangements - Stock allergy medication at venue medical stations - Adjust air circulation in semi-outdoor spaces **Soundwalk route planning:** - Avoid high-pollen areas during peak season - Provide pollen forecasts in soundwalk guides - Offer alternative indoor routes on extreme pollen days ## Environmental Research Use Case: Field Work Health and Plant Indicator Species Pollen data supports both crew health and ecological monitoring: **Field crew safety:** - Water quality sampling requires outdoor work - Sewer infrastructure inspections involve extended outdoor exposure - Provide pollen forecasts to field teams - Plan indoor analysis days during high-pollen events **Example:** Tijuana River Watershed Survey ``` Survey period: March 15-30 (spring pollen season) Team size: 5 field researchers Pollen forecast: Tree pollen HIGH (days 1-7), MODERATE (days 8-15) Safety protocol: - All crew carries antihistamines - Breaks every 2 hours during HIGH days - Shift outdoor work to mornings (lower pollen) ``` **Plant community monitoring:** - Pollen types indicate local vegetation - Tree pollen = forested watershed areas - Grass pollen = urban/agricultural zones - Weed pollen = disturbed soil, industrial areas - Cross-reference with water quality (vegetation affects runoff) **Seasonal pattern tracking:** - Map pollen seasons across Tijuana watershed - Correlate with stormwater quality (pollen = organic load) - Identify riparian vegetation health via pollen presence - Plan surveys around low-pollen windows for crew efficiency **Urban greening impact:** - Tree-planting initiatives increase tree pollen - Track pollen changes after urban forestry projects - Balance ecological benefits vs. public health impact ## How to Use It ### Direct API Call (No MCP Tool Available) **Endpoint:** `https://pollen.googleapis.com/v1/forecast:lookup` **Get pollen forecast:** ```bash curl "https://pollen.googleapis.com/v1/forecast:lookup?key=YOUR_API_KEY" \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{ "location": { "latitude": 32.5332, "longitude": -117.0192 }, "days": 5 }' ``` **Response includes:** - `dailyInfo` - Array of daily forecasts (up to 5 days) - `pollenTypeInfo` - Levels for grass, tree, weed pollen - `healthRecommendations` - Guidance for allergy sufferers - `regionCode` - ISO country code ### Response Structure ```json { "regionCode": "MX", "dailyInfo": [{ "date": {"year": 2025, "month": 4, "day": 15}, "pollenTypeInfo": [ { "code": "GRASS", "displayName": "Grass", "indexInfo": { "value": 2, "category": "MODERATE", "indexDescription": "Grass pollen is moderate" }, "healthRecommendations": [ "Consider taking allergy medication before going outside", "Limit outdoor activities in mornings when pollen is highest" ] }, { "code": "TREE", "displayName": "Tree", "indexInfo": { "value": 4, "category": "HIGH", "indexDescription": "Tree pollen is high" }, "healthRecommendations": [ "Take allergy medication", "Keep windows closed", "Minimize outdoor activities" ] }, { "code": "WEED", "displayName": "Weed", "indexInfo": { "value": 1, "category": "LOW", "indexDescription": "Weed pollen is low" } } ], "plantInfo": [ { "code": "OAK", "displayName": "Oak", "indexInfo": { "value": 4, "category": "HIGH" } } ] }] } ``` **Index values:** - 0 = None - 1 = Low - 2 = Moderate - 3 = High - 4 = Very High - 5 = Extreme ## How It Works **Data sources:** 1. Pollen monitoring stations (aerobiological sensors) 2. Botanical surveys (plant species distribution) 3. Weather models (wind carries pollen) 4. Phenology databases (bloom timing by species and location) 5. Satellite vegetation indices (track plant growth) **1x1 km resolution:** Pollen concentration is modeled based on nearby vegetation, weather patterns, and monitoring station data. More accurate in areas with dense monitoring networks. **Update frequency:** Forecasts updated daily, covering up to 5 days ahead. Most accurate for next 48 hours. **Seasonal availability:** Coverage varies by region and season. Peak coverage during spring and summer (primary pollen seasons). ## When to Use It **Music/Audio projects:** - Outdoor recording session planning - Concert/festival health advisories - Soundwalk route health guidance - Field recording expedition logistics **Environmental research:** - Field crew health and safety planning - Vegetation community monitoring - Watershed ecological assessment - Urban greening impact analysis **Don't use it for:** - Indoor pollen levels (measures outdoor only) - Non-pollen allergens (dust, mold, pollution) - Regions without monitoring coverage - Immediate readings (forecast only, not real-time) ## Pro Tips **Morning is worst:** Pollen peaks between 5 AM - 10 AM. Schedule outdoor recording for afternoons when possible. **Wind matters:** High winds spread pollen farther. Cross-reference with Weather API wind speed/direction. **Rain clears pollen:** After rain, pollen levels drop temporarily. Plan outdoor work for post-rain windows. **Species matter more than category:** If available, check `plantInfo` for specific plants. Oak vs. pine vs. mesquite have different allergen potency. **Combine with Air Quality API:** Both pollen and pollution cause respiratory issues. Check both for complete outdoor health picture. **Tijuana's seasons:** Tree pollen peaks March-May, grass pollen June-August, weed pollen August-October. Plan annual field work around these windows. ## Real-World Integration Example **Outdoor recording decision tool:** ```javascript // Pseudo-code workflow location = {"lat": 32.5332, "lng": -117.0192} recording_date = "2025-04-15" pollen = getPollenForecast(location, recording_date) air_quality = getAirQuality(location) weather = getWeather(location, recording_date) if pollen.tree == "HIGH" OR pollen.grass == "HIGH": if crew_has_allergies == true: notify_crew("High pollen - bring allergy meds") schedule_extra_breaks() if air_quality.uaqi > 100 OR weather.wind > 15: suggest_reschedule() else: mark_day_as("suitable_for_outdoor_work") ``` ## Related APIs - [[Air Quality API]] - Combined respiratory health view - [[Weather API]] - Wind affects pollen dispersion - [[Maps Datasets API]] - Overlay pollen levels on custom maps - [[Places API]] - Find parks, natural areas (high pollen sources) ## Resources - [Pollen API Documentation](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/pollen) - Understanding pollen index scales - Regional pollen season calendars - Plant species and allergen cross-reactivity