Skip to main content

Crowd-sourced data feed enhances traffic monitoring

In the US, NaviGAtor 511, Georgia’s traveller information system, has partnered with Waze to provide enhanced traffic information. Waze, a crowd-sourced social GPS and real-time traffic application for smartphones and Android phones, will provide enhanced traffic data to the current 511 system, and create a special 511 user group, specifically for Georgia travelers, within the existing Waze mobile app. The arrangement was provided for under an existing marketing contract with Iteris, the firm that has opera
November 20, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
In the US, 6896 NaviGAtor 511, Georgia’s traveller information system, has partnered with 6897 Waze to provide enhanced traffic information. Waze, a crowd-sourced social GPS and real-time traffic application for smartphones and Android phones, will provide enhanced traffic data to the current 511 system, and create a special 511 user group, specifically for Georgia travelers, within the existing Waze mobile app.

The arrangement was provided for under an existing marketing contract with Iteris, the firm that has operated and maintained the Georgia NaviGAtor 511 system since 2006.

NaviGAtor 511 is a sponsor-supported, free public service of the Georgia Department of Transportation that enhances transportation mobility, safety, and efficiency by providing travellers with real-time, route-specific travel information and 24/7 access to live operators.  The system delivers current information on incidents, road construction, and weather conditions statewide. In the Atlanta metro market area, NaviGAtor 511 not only provides congestion information, but also access to HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) motorist assistance.

Waze collects traffic data from its 29 million users, or “Wazers,” worldwide, who augment real-time traffic conditions through citizen-based traffic, hazard, and incident reporting. The data will then be verified by Georgia DOT and populated to NaviGAtor 511’s website and phone system.

The Waze smart phone application is available for free from the app store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or online.  In addition to real-time, crowd-sourced traffic data, Waze offers a number of hands-free features, such as: voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation; voice-activated user reporting of road hazards, construction, incidents, congestion; user-set voice commands; and automated verbal notification of upcoming incidents or conditions.

“Commuters know that they can help each other reduce the stress and inconvenience of traffic simply by turning on our app,” said Chris Butler, director of business development for Waze. “Moving forward, we’re excited to be working with Georgia DOT and Iteris on the NaviGAtor 511 system to offer these expanded benefits and increased exposure to the Georgia Wazers.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Swarco displays enhanced and future-proofed Omnia platform
    April 5, 2016
    Swarco has an enhanced version of its Omina software platform on display at Intertraffic, future proofed for allowing for highway authorities’ greater use of big data. The Omina platform now comes with a ‘City Dashboard’, which can be customized depending on users’ specific needs.
  • The scourge of poor air quality and rising pollution levels and how they can be tackled
    December 20, 2021
    Arguably, air pollution is one of the greatest challenges facing our world today. It impacts people, economies and the environment. It is clear that policymakers must act swiftly to improve air quality. ITS has a huge role to play in providing solutions. Here, Swarco, as a solution provider, shares inside tips on how to use modern ITS to save lives, economies and the environment.
  • Georgia DOT deploys ‘smart’ traffic signals
    August 26, 2016
    Georgia Department of Transportation, in partnership with Intelight, has deployed ‘smart’ signals at 1,000 intersections throughout the state. The project is part of a state-wide upgrade which converts traffic lights in Georgia to an up-to-the-second traffic signal controller technology. The new software provides significant improvements to how Georgia DOT and local agencies can operate their signal systems. The software, which was launched in autumn 2015 and is scheduled to be fully deployed on Geor
  • Rand McNally ‘turns smart devices into EOBR systems’
    October 10, 2012
    US-based mapping and navigation specialist, Rand McNally has unveiled its new HD 100 device, which the company claims turns GPS units, tablets and smart phones into compliant electronic on-board recorders (EOBR) systems. Designed to work seamlessly with a variety of mobile devices, the hours of service recorder within the HD 100 qualifies it as a compliant electronic driver log. The device plugs into a vehicle's on-board diagnostics port and records the truck's GPS position along with critical vehicle-speci