Google has expanded its live traffic coverage, where traffic information is overlaid on its Maps service, to include Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. The service is available when using Google Maps online.
The service works by crowd-sourcing information about speed and travelling time from users of Google Navigation or Google Maps for mobile, much like turn-by-turn navigation application Waze. Roads that currently aren’t covered will be as more users of the service travel along them.
Aside from offering real-time traffic information, the service can offer estimated travelling time when planning routes and suggest alternative routes. This is possible using either the mobile versions of the service or Google Maps online, making it possible to check conditions before departure or en route.
SA is just one of seven countries to get the service for the first time. The other newcomers are Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Mexico, Peru and Romania. In addition, 19 countries that already have the service have seen their coverage expanded. — (c) 2012 NewsCentral Media
