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You know when Google Maps displays current traffic (dark red is real slow, green is empty), I read that Google detects people's phones in their cars that are using Google Maps. It uses that data to add up how many cars are in a certain area.
But also, Waze detects phones that are currently using the Waze app. That would mean that Google Maps and Waze give you different ideas of traffic density?
Is this in fact how they do it?
Is there a way Google or Waze could detect people's phones regardless of what they are doing on their phones?
You know when Google Maps displays current traffic (dark red is real slow, green is empty), I read that Google detects people's phones in their cars that are using Google Maps. It uses that data to add up how many cars are in a certain area.
But also, Waze detects phones that are currently using the Waze app. That would mean that Google Maps and Waze give you different ideas of traffic density?
Is this in fact how they do it?
Is there a way Google or Waze could detect people's phones regardless of what they are doing on their phones?
Google owns Waze. They both use information from both apps together. If you have given permission to google or Waze to use your location at any time, they can track your location even if you arent using the apps.
Yes, crowd sourced traffic data is very useful.
Generally, traffic is gauged by in-roadway sensors (magnets, lasers, radar, etc) or cameras.
It is my understanding that traffic (and other) data is collected while navigating only, but I could be wrong about that.
I dont recall specifically, its been awhile since I've dealt with traffic - but there is a difference between just having the ap open and sending/receiving nav data back to google. IIRC traffic data is collected when navigating (i.e you have a route programed).
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We use Apple Car Play, and the screen has a place where you can post a problem, traffic jam, accident, or even report a "speed check ahead." On a recent road trip we reported a backup due to construction that didn't show, but at least 3 times slowed down just before getting to a radar cop thanks to the app.
You just Tap Report an Incident, then tap whatever applies, Crash, Hazard, Speed Check, or Roadwork.
We use Apple Car Play, and the screen has a place where you can post a problem, traffic jam, accident, or even report a "speed check ahead." On a recent road trip we reported a backup due to construction that didn't show, but at least 3 times slowed down just before getting to a radar cop thanks to the app.
You just Tap Report an Incident, then tap whatever applies, Crash, Hazard, Speed Check, or Roadwork.
Waze has the same kind of feature. When I first started using Waze my family and I were driving down 95 and Waze suddenly had us get off of 95 suddenly. At first I figured it was a glitch but we were in no hurry so I figured wed trust it. It took us on a meandering 20 mile detour and I was a bit pissed. However, it brought us back onto 95 just past a big truck accident that had 95 backed up for 6 hours.
After that my moto has been, Trust the Waze, Love the Waze.
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