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Pollen API

Path: Computer Tech/Development/Tech Companies/Google/Google Maps Platform/Environment APIs/Pollen API.mdUpdated: 2/3/2026

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