Google Maps traffic is cute, but no Traffic.com

March 4, 2007 / Filed under: Google, Maps, Traffic

In a strange move, Google now includes traffic in their maps application.

Screenshot of Google Maps

I find this awkward because Google Maps is not built to be a traffic-reporting application. I go to Google Maps to find destinations and driving directions - not see how much traffic is present.

Whereas I see nothing wrong with including this extra information, I just don't think it's relevant. I don't look at Google Maps when I'm about to leave for my destination - rather, I look at it well in advance - so the traffic will have drastically changed by the time I hit the road.

Reporting the traffic is about situational timing, not about reference. Google is about reference. The difference is traffic changes frequently - maps not so frequently.

If they add traffic, why not add weather conditions? After all, we are looking at a map of a location. Why not show a sun, clouds, or snow falling onto the map?

How about historical facts about the location? They could include little snippets of famous events that occurred at that location, over the course of history.

I am, of course, being sarcastic.

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.

However, despite my initial pessimism, I am open-minded and willing to give the traffic feature a try.

Using Google Maps as a traffic agent

Google Maps is hardly a "smart traffic agent," like Traffic.com - but with a little "pre-ground work," I think we can make it somewhat usable.

Map your route

First you'll have to map your route.

(Traffic.com allows you to set up pre-defined routes, which it then monitors and reports back to you.) Google Maps is not going to be that helpful, but let's throw it a bone.

Remember, Google Maps recently added the ability to add multiple destinations. This may help in your traffic planning.

Click the Traffic button

Once you map your route, click on the Traffic button.

You should see a colorful nest of lines superimposed over the major highways.

Here I've mapped my route from work to home:

Screenshot of Google Maps

The legend

Here is the legend:

  • Green means all clear.
  • Yellow means slightly congested.
  • Red means very congested.

I see Gray too - although I'm not sure what that indicates.

Save your drive

In order to save your pre-defined route, for later use - you'll have to click Link to this page.

Screenshot of Google Maps

Go to the address bar and copy/paste the URL. This is a permanent URL - to share, or to reference yourself.

Now, when you want to check traffic on your route, just load up this URL. You can bookmark it in your browser if it's easier that way.

Other ideas

Using the Google Maps API, you may be able to include your traffic on your own web page.

Why Google Maps sucks as a Traffic agent

As you can see, Google Maps would be a lousy traffic agent. There's a number of things that make sites like Traffic.com very good:

  • Stores all your "drives" in one convenient spot.
  • Monitors the traffic for you, even when you're not looking at the site.
  • Alerts you if traffic hits a certain level of congestion.
  • Allows alerts to be sent to email, SMS, or even a phone call.
  • RSS feeds for your traffic reports.
  • Much more detailed traffic display (rather than just red, yellow, and green.)

Conclusion

The traffic feature on Google Maps is nice and simple, but it's very premature right now. If you want more detailed analysis of traffic, use Traffic.com.

Perhaps Google will enhance the "traffic experience" on Google Maps, but I certainly hope not.

Comments/Mentions

# Ian at 3/5/2007 11:44 am 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.

# Matthom at 3/5/2007 11:58 am 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.

# Mike at 3/8/2007 6:47 pm cst

The gray is where they have no traffic data.

# Chicagoan who travels 24 miles a day to work at 4/17/2007 10:07 am 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.

# Clark Troy at 8/28/2007 8:14 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.

# Tesla Falcon at 1/8/2008 1:21 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.

# Aaron Hixson at 7/9/2008 2:18 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.

# T-Bone at 8/12/2008 5:49 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.

# iPhone user at 11/10/2008 5:16 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

# iPhone user at 11/10/2008 5:17 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

# Flim Flam at 1/16/2009 3:25 pm cst

Traffic.com is lame. You don't even get a legend.

# Al Sanchez at 4/26/2009 8:11 pm cst

huh? if there is nothing wrong with it why is a big deal??? Someone has way too much time on their hands...