Maps Traffic..How Does It Work

[kspector]

Can anyone tell me how the Maps app on my iPad2 knows where there are areas of high traffic areas on highways?

 

[Kaykaykay]

Should come from Google, as the maps do.

Availability of real-time traffic - Maps Help

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Most highways these days have buried 'inductive' sensors that detect when a car/auto/truck is passing over the sensor. This information is used by the highway/freeway agencies to monitor and control traffic. In addition, in some countries, there are sensors fitted to bridges and overpasses that detect traffic passing underneath.

Tim

 

[misdt]

Can anyone tell me how the Maps app on my iPad2 knows where there are areas of high traffic areas on highways?

I just checked traffic conditions here and right now in Geneva, Switzerland, and it shows traffic where there are positively no induction loops buried on the Tarmac nor are there motion- or other sensors at at least two of the areas that show to be congested.
So my theory is that Maps simply looks for iOS devices that don't move, and if they are along a road, voilá.
What do you think?