A traffic congestion map is a graphical, realtime

Real time business intelligence

Real-time business intelligence is the process of delivering information about business operations as they occur.In this context, real-time means a range from milliseconds to a few seconds after the business event has occurred...

 or near-realtime representation of traffic flow for some particular area. Data is typically collected via loop sensors embedded in the roadways, then processed by computer

Computer

A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...

 at a central facility and distributed as a map

Map

A map is a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes....

 view to users.

Many web sites or news channels show these maps as a tool of traffic reporting

Traffic reporting

Traffic reporting is the distribution of information about road conditions such as traffic congestion, detours, and traffic accidents, generally as part of a radio or television broadcast program. The reports help commuters anticipate and avoid traffic problems. Many reports mention alternate...

 to help commuters decide how to avoid congested areas. Sometimes they are displayed directly to motorists using electronic signs, such as those on the 2nd Ring Road in Beijing

Beijing

Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...

. Frequently these show conditions on highway

Highway

A highway is any public road. In American English, the term is common and almost always designates major roads. In British English, the term designates any road open to the public. Any interconnected set of highways can be variously referred to as a "highway system", a "highway network", or a...

s, but local street

Street

A street is a paved public thoroughfare in a built environment. It is a public parcel of land adjoining buildings in an urban context, on which people may freely assemble, interact, and move about. A street can be as simple as a level patch of dirt, but is more often paved with a hard, durable...

s can also be shown.

External Links

• Seattle Area Bridges Flowmap
• New York City Department of Transportation Flowmap with cameras