Google Maps traffic is cute, but no Traffic.com Mar04 '07

# (1 of 10): Ian

1 day, 5 hours after the fact. (Mon 05 Mar 2007, 1:44 PM CST)

You pretty much contradict yourself right here:

But do you see how traffic is somewhat irrelevant to a maps application?

Still, I am tempted to check Google Maps when I'm about to hit the road.

I dont really understand how you are saying the traffic info isnt relevant. You seem to be assuming everyone uses google maps the same way you do. You are saying google maps it basically just a reference material, which was true, up until they added the traffic button.

I disagree that its not relevant. Its totally relevant if you look at the map 5 minutes before you leave, which is something I'm sure some people do.

One gripe i have with googles traffic right now is that the traffic overlay covers up the highway identification.

# (2 of 10): Matthom

1 day, 5 hours after the fact. (Mon 05 Mar 2007, 1:58 PM CST)

Ian, sorry for the misinterpretation.

I am open-minded when it comes to software and technology - so although I think traffic is an irrelevant feature of Google Maps, I am still going to offer it the attention it deserves, simply because it's available for use.

Who knows - I may use it for a few weeks, and end up liking it - despite my initial pessimism.

Like I said, I don't think it's wrong to add this feature - it's just kind of pointless when there are far better traffic applications already out there.

Also, anything Google does is always praised (I am guilty for that), so it doesn't hurt every once in a while to offer some constructive criticism.

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# (3 of 10): Mike

4 days, 12 hours after the fact. (Thu 08 Mar 2007, 8:47 PM CST)

The gray is where they have no traffic data.

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# (4 of 10): Chicagoan Who Travels 24 Miles A Day To Work

1 month, 2 weeks after the fact. (Tue 17 Apr 2007, 12:07 PM CST)

Google maps with traffic on my smart phone is GREAT! In a quick glance I can see if the expressway in Chicago is clear (green) or heavily congested (red) and then decide if I get on. Also, on more than one occasion, when traffic is incredibly heavy on the expressway I check my google map with traffic and have found out that if I tough it out for another mile, the road is wide open. Traffic.com does not work well on smart phones.

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# (5 of 10): Clark Troy » chewyourgrouse.blogspot.com

5 months, 3 weeks after the fact. (Tue 28 Aug 2007, 10:14 AM CST)

I had no idea traffic.com had as much customized functionality as you mentioned -- which tells you something about how well Traffic.com has promoted its features. I'm not enough of a gearhead to want to set it up or to generate all of that Bacn for my inbox.

I'm a passive and occasional user: I check routes on an ad hoc basis before biggish trips, and it's much easier to access GoogleMaps quickly than it is to access Traffic.com, which seems to have a lot of server hang. That said, Traffic.com does give better drill-down on causes of back-up, which tells you when to expect them to clear. So yeah, traffic.com is better if you've got the time, but googlemaps traffic is still fabulous.

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# (6 of 10): Tesla Falcon

10 months, 1 week after the fact. (Tue 08 Jan 2008, 3:21 PM CST)

As a trucker, I've found Google maps invaluable on numerous occasions. I need access to lots of data FAST. I don't have time to wait for the data, wonder if the sites going to be up or to check 6 different sites for 6 different pieces of info. I need it all in one place so I can see, at a glance, what directions to take and how best to get to my destination.

(I've got a laptop with a wireless broadband card.)

Personally, I get the directions FIRST before I leave, then check the traffic to see if it's currently "sane". I overlay the traffic info onto my route IN MY MIND. I'll then look for possible alternate routes.

Traffic changes constantly. "ALL GOOD" can become "DEAD STOPPED" in 15 seconds so alternate routes are always in the back of my mind (provided I'm not the cause of the "DEAD STOPPED"). "Traffic" usually covers just the interstate system. Surface streets, even in town, are still a "pig in a poke".

For weather info, I use WeatherUnderground.com. 24-hr advanced notice is usually sufficient. Weather info is for clothing and vehicle preparation. I can route around an accident. However, it's harder to avoid a blizzard, and there's no reason to avoid a thunderstorm.

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# (7 of 10): Aaron Hixson

1 year, 4 months after the fact. (Wed 09 Jul 2008, 4:18 PM CST)

I use Google Maps every day. Especially since they have added Traffic to Google Maps on the phone. While I am driving I can see if traffic is bad up ahead and it helps me avoid a LOT of bad situations. Google is awsome. In fact, they now have traffic history so you can see what it will be like most likely on a specific day of the week and time.

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# (8 of 10): T-bone

1 year, 5 months after the fact. (Tue 12 Aug 2008, 7:49 AM CST)

Grey (gray) means no information is available.

Any idea about the inner workings? Where does google or traffic.com get their info? Roadside sensors? Taxis? Buses? Cameras? Some dude in a booth watching multiple cameras?

The answer will help us understand how "real-time" the info is.

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# (9 of 10): Iphone User

1 year, 8 months after the fact. (Mon 10 Nov 2008, 7:16 PM CST)

also if you have an iPhone you can use maps while you drive and use their lame traffic advice to change your route

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# (10 of 10): Iphone User

1 year, 8 months after the fact. (Mon 10 Nov 2008, 7:17 PM CST)

also if you have an iPhone you can use maps while you drive and use their lame traffic advice to change your route

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