Google adds street traffic

Ghoulish Delight · 08-25-2009, 03:52 PM

As of today Google Maps traffic view includes traffic conditions on major streets.

FINALLY!

ETA: Though I've just discovered that for now it's only live data, if you switch to the "Traffic at day and time" feature the street info disappears.

Cadaverous Pallor · 08-25-2009, 07:30 PM

Wow. I had no idea anyone was gathering that data.

Alex · 08-25-2009, 07:44 PM

Obviously flawed. It says that traffic is currently fast on Market. Nothing is ever fast on Market.

(Seriously though I'd like a definition of what those condition indicators mean for the roads; unless it's there and I'm missing it.)

Alex · 08-25-2009, 07:46 PM

I worked with a guy who left to work a startup seeking to do exactly what Google is doing to generate this information. Good to know they're dead in the water.

I'd be interested in the technical challenge for them in filtering out all the pedestrians in areas where they mix heavily with vehicle traffic (such as along the Embarcadero in San Francisco at certain times).

Kevy Baby · 08-25-2009, 09:44 PM

I personally don't like the new street traffic. It makes it harder to discern the freeway traffic on my phone.

Not Afraid · 08-25-2009, 11:27 PM

I had a hard time figuring out a map on my iPhone today because of this new feature I finally turned off the traffic view and all was well.

Ghoulish Delight · 08-25-2009, 11:35 PM

Interesting, hadn't tried it on the phone yet. Now that you mention it, that could be annoying.

blueerica · 08-26-2009, 07:22 AM

I recently used the predictive traffic feature (don't know if they have it), to help determine some sales territory mapping for my company. Har har.

Is that feature still available? Hmm...

Ghoulish Delight · 08-26-2009, 07:29 AM

It is still available but only for freeway deata, it turns off street data when you turn on the predictive.

blueerica · 08-26-2009, 08:12 AM

Yeah, freeway was the most important factor for the sales consultant. Good to know it's still there.

And now I feel lame for not having looked it up myself.

08-25-2009, 03:52 PM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Google adds street traffic As of today Google Maps traffic view includes traffic conditions on major streets. FINALLY! ETA: Though I've just discovered that for now it's only live data, if you switch to the "Traffic at day and time" feature the street info disappears. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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08-25-2009, 07:30 PM	#2
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	Wow. I had no idea anyone was gathering that data. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
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08-25-2009, 07:44 PM	#3
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Obviously flawed. It says that traffic is currently fast on Market. Nothing is ever fast on Market. (Seriously though I'd like a definition of what those condition indicators mean for the roads; unless it's there and I'm missing it.)
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08-25-2009, 07:46 PM	#4
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	I worked with a guy who left to work a startup seeking to do exactly what Google is doing to generate this information. Good to know they're dead in the water. I'd be interested in the technical challenge for them in filtering out all the pedestrians in areas where they mix heavily with vehicle traffic (such as along the Embarcadero in San Francisco at certain times).
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08-25-2009, 09:44 PM	#5
Kevy Baby Chowder Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yes Posts: 18,500	I personally don't like the new street traffic. It makes it harder to discern the freeway traffic on my phone. __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you cannot verify their validity. - Abraham Lincoln
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08-25-2009, 11:27 PM	#6
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	I had a hard time figuring out a map on my iPhone today because of this new feature I finally turned off the traffic view and all was well.
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08-25-2009, 11:35 PM	#7
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Interesting, hadn't tried it on the phone yet. Now that you mention it, that could be annoying. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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08-26-2009, 07:22 AM	#8
blueerica Nueve Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,497	I recently used the predictive traffic feature (don't know if they have it), to help determine some sales territory mapping for my company. Har har. Is that feature still available? Hmm... __________________ Tomorrow is the day for you and me
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08-26-2009, 07:29 AM	#9
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	It is still available but only for freeway deata, it turns off street data when you turn on the predictive. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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08-26-2009, 08:12 AM	#10
blueerica Nueve Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,497	Yeah, freeway was the most important factor for the sales consultant. Good to know it's still there. And now I feel lame for not having looked it up myself. __________________ Tomorrow is the day for you and me
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