Using the historical data it has compiled over the years and traffic data from mobile devices using the Google Maps app, the company is able to create models for traffic predictions for different periods. So for example, Google would know that traffic would be at a peak in the morning and evening, but not on holidays. Since launch, Google has collected enough data to be able to predict the kind of traffic users can expect on any road at any time of the day. The data received from any particular smartphone is then compared to data received from other smartphones in the same area, and the higher the number of Google Maps users in an area, the more accurate the traffic prediction.Īnother source of traffic data are users of Waze app, which Google acquired in 2013 for $1 billion Waze users feed information like accidents and traffic jams on their routes into the app, which Google can use to make your navigation experience more accurate. When it comes to traffic data and associated predictions, Google Maps users also help it out, without even knowing they are doing so.Įver noticed that when you are using Google Maps navigation to reach your destination, it gives you alternate routes, or informs you of some unexpected traffic? This is because the Google Maps app on Android and iOS constantly send back real-time traffic data to Google. Officially, Google says, “The traffic data comes from a variety of sources, including government departments of transportation and private data providers,” among other sources. But how does Google collect this information, which is accurate to the last minute on most occasions? Hidden away in Google Maps settings is the option to view traffic data for any location in real time. Google collects its mapping data from a wide variety of sources including road sensors, user contributions via Map Maker, and local transport departments, among several others. Google Maps is one of the most popular apps in the world, with well over a billion users.
0 kommentar(er)
