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Avoid Traffic Congestion with Windows Live Maps
US-centric: Windows Live Maps has added a new feature called Clearflow, which suggests routes based on traffic conditions with the intention of getting you where you need to go quickly and with a minimum of traffic congestion. Rather than suggesting routes based solely on real-time data, Clearflow also factors in time of day, weather, and even things like nearby sporting events likely to cause congestion. I've been testing it on some local routes, and while I'm not sure if its suggestions are accurate, I can say that it does drastically change its suggestions when I tick the "Choose route based on traffic" option. The Clearflow feature is available in 72 cities starting today, so if you give it a try, let's hear what kind of results you're seeing in the comments.
Tags: brief | directions | maps | top | traffic | windows live maps
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
summerblink
Posted 6:37 AM 11/4/08
I just tried using it to map my route from work (Williams St in Atlanta) to home (Little Five Points) . . . both of the sets of directions it gave me included making a turn onto Moreland Ave, which during rush hour traffic is a bad bad mistake. I'll try again closer to actual rush hour and see if it changes its tune . . .
summerblink
greenbot
Posted 7:12 AM 11/4/08
Yeah, I agree. There's no way Live Maps (or Google Maps) can suggest a best route for avoiding traffic. If you've been driving on the same roads for quite some time, you learn which alternate routes to take.
On a side note. I heard there's a new navigation unit that is connected to a cellular network. Each unit sends telemetry data (speed, location, etc) back to the central office. And in turn, the central office sends traffic data back to the units, giving you real time traffic conditions.
greenbot
PhilHut
Posted 7:44 AM 11/4/08
For Windows Mobile users with a data plan, there's an awesome app you can install that does both live traffic as well as predictions. Works in lots of major cities. It has a month-long freee trial, if you're interested.
[mobile.inrix.com]
PhilHut
quikboy
Posted 5:17 PM 11/4/08
The technology sounds interesting, but I think greenbot has something there.
Instead of routing based on data that could range from a month ago, to a year ago, how about the company trying putting real monitors to select cars and use the info. like the current speed and the location, and relay that data so it'll work real time for the person who wants to get there.
The only problem with that, is people vary in their choice of what speed to go at. Some might take it slow and easy, while some want fast and speedy. Though I guess if there's enough units, the average of them all might make the data reliable.
quikboy
tinyhands
Posted 3:06 AM 12/4/08
tinyhands