Google Maps Traffic Layer now nationwide!

[GeoUSA]

Wow! Google Map's traffic layer is working for my area on my G1. Really, really convenient to see how fast traffic is moving at a glance from my phone!

 

[DevinB]

In Salt Lake City, it hasn't been consistent anywhere near enough for me to rely on it at all. I'm better off listening to traffic updates on the radio. YMMV.

 

[samuelmaskell]

And yet traffic along with street view still doesn't work anywhere in Canada. //sigh..

 

[GeoUSA]

On Facebook yesterday (8/25) Google posted that the traffic layer is now nationwide in USA and some larger metro areas have side street coverage. I did some reading but it's not clear if there is anything I need to do to ensure that my Android phone is sending data to help. Is there anything I need to do? It just seems like there is some disclaimer I should have to click through before Google uses my movements along roadways to contribute to the project?

BTW, if you want to check this out, make sure you have the latest version of Google Maps on your Android device by going to the Market icon, searching for "Google Maps", and ensure it says "Installed." If not, update to the newer version!

Here's one article about the side streets. It seems the nationwide thing isn't in mainstream news yet.

Arterial, crowdsourced traffic info comes to Google Maps - Ars Technica

Here is more detail:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10317223-265.html

 

[GeoUSA]

Quick update...

In the past week I have had a problem with my G1's battery being depleted much faster and after about 12 - 14 hours of use. I now suspect that turning on the traffic layer in the updated Google Maps application activates location/speed reporting. An article I linked to earlier in this thread indicates that this feature is on by default in the MyTouch 3G but doesn't indicate if this location/speed reporting is ever active on the G1.

Traffic mapping is an incredibly useful addition to Android! However, I think Google should make it more apparent when this is enabled for privacy and battery conservation. Battery life is already a big headache for G1 users. For now I make an effort to switch my Google Map app back to the normal map layer under options when I'm not on a long drive.

 

[Jason Pedersen]

Are you simply turning it off be deactivating that layer, or are you having to switch between different versions of Google Maps? You are correct that battery life is an issue, and while most of the time I am using maps I'm in my car and plugged in, there are times I'm just walking around.

Which brings up an interesting thought, any clue on how they're differentiating between walkers and drivers?