by Frank Schroth
Click on image for interactive map
Google in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund has been mapping methane leaks in the Boston area. Their efforts have been reported in various publications including Boston Magazine. As the magazine article notes, “While the information was released this week, along with the maps, the group said the data might not reflect real-time information because a significant amount of time has passed since they first identified the leaks, and some leaks may have been repaired.”
To map the leaks Google equipped the cars they use to create maps with methane sensors.
As Boston magazine reports “Gas leaks in Massachusetts have been a hot-button issue during the current legislative session, and elected officials have pushed for changes to how repairs are handled“.
By way of comparison, Google has also mapped Indianapolis which only has 5 leaks in the entire city
You can find Boston Globe coverage of the initiative here.
You can also learn more on the Environmental Defense Fund page here.