Raw Live Traffic Data numbers?

February 12, 2009 12:49 PM

Can I access Google's (or someone elseraw traffic data outside of map form?

Basically I want to write a simple web page that looks at Google (or an alternatives) live traffic data for the stretch of interstate I take to work each day. I want my web page to be able to interpret where the traffic jams begin and end as it relates to the exit number. Do you think this is doable with the free information out there on the web these days? Where would I begin?

Any tips would be great, thanks!

posted by JakeTimberlake to computers & internet (4 comments total)

wow... i might be a little over worked. The question is supposed to read:
Can I access Google's (or someone else's) raw traffic data outside of map form?
posted by JakeTimberlake at 1:01 PM on February 12

It's relatively trivial to embed a Google Map, centered on a location with a zoom that would be appropriate for your commute.

A quick check of the API shows that there is indeed a traffic overlay. Simple? Perhaps, depending on your knowledge.

http://googlemapsapi.blogspot.com/2007/06/add-traffic-to-your-mashup-button.html
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/services.html#Traffic_Overlays

I may have completely misinterpreted what you're trying to do though.
posted by hungrysquirrels at 1:07 PM on February 12

I may have completely misinterpreted what you're trying to do though.

Aaand, I think I have done so, based on your additional comment. Also overworked.
posted by hungrysquirrels at 1:09 PM on February 12

I'm not sure if Google gives this sort of data through its API, but I know Yahoo provides a Traffic web service API. You might have to manually define where the exits are, but that would be a start.
posted by ghostmanonsecond at 1:12 PM on February 12