Google Traffic Isn't Going to Get You Home
Google has traffic! Their mobile app is so nice, so this should be excellent!
They say:
There's nothing worse than getting stuck in traffic when you have some place to go, so I'm happy to tell you about a new feature on Google Maps that can help. For more than 30 major U.S. cities, you can now see up-to-date traffic conditions to help you plan your schedule and route. If you're in San Francisco, New York , Chicago, Dallas, or any of the other cities we now include, just click on the traffic button to show current traffic speeds directly on the map. If your route shows red, you're looking at a stop-and-go commute; yellow, you could be a little late for dinner; green, you've got smooth sailing.
We can't make traffic go away, but we hope Google Maps traffic info helps you avoid it whenever possible.
Well, their map is ... pretty nasty. Let's compare the map they have with the map developed by my company, Gray Hill Solutions for the regional government in the Bay Area (traffic.511.org).
Google:
Gray Hill Solutions:
I appreciate what Google is trying to do with the bigger lines and outlines, but when they lines shoot off in funny directions and go outside their outlines, one is forced to wonder about quality control.
Also, we considered laying it over a detailed map like Google did, but when your freeway visualization doesn't reflect the actual roadways, it becomes misleading.
So, my bias acknowledged, I have to give the design award to Bay Area real time traffic to Gray Hill Solutions.
Blogged at Village Pub in the Magnolia Neighborhood of Seattle.
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