Google Maps has just activated real time traffic information to its maps. Information is taken from Intelematics, which you may recognise as the company behind the SUNA live GPS system that provides real time traffic information to GPS units through a discrete FM radio signal.

The breadth of coverage around Melbourne is staggering and Google plans to further expand traffic information by transmitting anonymous speed readings from those using the mobile version of the Google Maps Application.

Another smart feature of Google’s traffic information is being able to look at historical information.  Say you want directions from Clifton Hill to St. Kilda around 5PM on a Saturday. The route usually would take you down Punt Road but potentially if historical information is smart it would tell you that Saturday afternoons along Hoddle Street are a nightmare because of footy traffic. Google has perhaps seen the success of it’s Flu Trends product in predicting likely occurance of traffic.

It’s amazing to think it that only three years ago, Google added the ability to actually look up an address on its maps and now we have real time traffic data.

Google Maps via [Official Google Australia Blog]

OK, only a couple of days to go until Christmas. Know someone who always gets lost when driving? I don’t have to tell you how great GPS systems but the downside of GPS systems are that they don’t take into account traffic and construction conditions at the time of driving. Recently launched in Melbourne, the Suna Traffic Channel can relay real time information to your GPS system.

“Suna Traffic Channel data is generated by the information gathered at the sensors on the road networks on arterial roads and freeways. In Melbourne the base traffic data is from VicRoads and other sources. The most important source of raw traffic flow data is derived from the loop sensor network embedded in the road pavement on the approach to signalised intersections. Virtually all urban (and many regional) signalised intersections are networked to central traffic light control systems in each state. By agreement with the respective road authorities to value-add this data, we are able to develop and drive near real-time link-by-link congestion models.”

All of this information is then broadcast via an inaudible signal on MIX 101.1FM to your tuned in GPS system. Your GPS system can then guide you around any traffic. Very cool. Looks like Mio’s DigiWalker’s series will be able to utilize the Suna Traffic channel with its models starting at $450.

Suna Traffic Channel [via Lifehacker]
Video showing how Suna works

Picture via Lifehacker

Technorati Tags: Melbourne, Australia, Mio, Suna Traffic Channel, Suna, GPS