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Remember, Google acquired Waze, the awesome user generated mapping software company? Well, it didn't take long, it is now being integrated into Google Maps data.
Now, Google Maps for iOS and Android have traffic level data submitted by Waze users.
Google said in a blog post, "users of Google Maps for Mobile will now benefit from real time incident reports from Waze users." Google added, "this means when Wazers report accidents, construction, road closures and more."
Here is a screen shot from Google Maps for iOS:
So now Google Maps takes into consideration traffic data from human submissions from Waze. Your driving directions will be impacted by this.
Part of this upgrade, Waze also got a bit of an update, obtaining Google Street View and satellite imagery for their Waze Map Editor.
Forum discussion at Google+.
Comments:
ethalon
08/21/2013 12:25 pm
Hmm...I wonder if Waze can generate an infinite traffic accident loop? Reporting an accident on Waze, oops, I got into an accident. Someone else reporting on the accident of the guy who was reporting on an accident gets into an accident. Someone else reporting on the accident of the girl who got into the accident reporting the guy who got into the accident while reporting an accident. Someone else reporting...
Jack
08/23/2013 09:09 am
Just don't let 4chan know they can influence Google Maps driving directions by submitting traffic reports on Waze.