Taiwan launches 'Cool Map' to help citizens beat the heat

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) As Taiwan grapples with high summer temperatures, the Ministry of Environment has launched a new platform called the "Cool Map" to help people locate over 1,700 shaded or air-conditioned "cool zones" across Taipei, New Taipei, and Tainan.

The pilot version of the map is now available and includes public parks, libraries, museums, and even private businesses such as banks and cafés that have agreed to offer relief from the heat.

Using location services, the map displays nearby cool spots (both outdoor shaded areas and indoor cooling facilities) within a 500-meter radius.

It also indicates whether the site has air conditioning, seating, drinking water, restrooms, and accessibility features, and shows opening hours for private businesses.

Hsu Hsu-cheng (徐旭誠), the deputy director-general of the Climate Change Administration, said the agency plans to continue updating the "Cool Map" and adding more locations, and the hope is that more cities will be willing to participate in the future.

The government aims to expand the map to cover all six of Taiwan's major metropolitan areas and the rest of Taiwan, forming a nationwide heat relief network, Hsu said.

While some found the tool useful, others were less impressed.

Morris Chao (趙珩), a 20-year-old university student, said he would likely use the platform.

"Google Maps is cluttered and hard to navigate when you're looking for a cool spot.

"This platform makes it easier to find exactly what I want," said Chao, who often escapes the heat by visiting convenience stores or department stores.

In contrast, a woman in her 30s who preferred not to be named questioned the map's necessity.

"There are air-conditioned places everywhere in the city. It's not hard to find one," she said. "This map feels unnecessary for most people."

While the "Cool Map" represents a promising step in Taiwan's climate adaptation strategy, it is currently available only in Chinese.

When asked about the possibility of an English version, the Ministry of Environment admitted that a bilingual interface was not initially considered, but said the suggestion would be taken into account.