TomTom Speed Profiles can be used for the estimation of travel times when real-time information is not available and for planning ahead.
Speed Profiles can be used for the estimation of travel times when real-time information is not available and for planning ahead to facilitate route optimization. Here are some use cases:
- On-board car navigation systems and route planning or navigation mobile applications for planning the fastest routes and estimating accurate arrival times
- Route planning web-portals for planning the most optimal routes
- Cities or governments for traffic management in usually congested areas
- Supply chain management for on-time delivery of goods
Case study: improving accessibility at a city level
At TomTom, we want to use data to improve congestion and accessibility at all levels. From the consumer's daily journey to traffic and travel authorities aiming to make infrastructure changes to reduce congestion and increase the overall livability of their respective cities.
For example, a group of researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid used Speed Profiles to give an insightful analysis into one way that congestion impacts an aspect of daily urban life. The research team sought to find out the impact that door-to-door (access and egress) travel times have on the accessibility of the high-speed rail stations in Madrid and Barcelona at different times of the day.
The group struggled to find relevant data as most often door-to-door travel time is unjustly neglected in favor of in-vehicle travel time. Door-to-door travel time, however, is what can tip the scales in favor of choosing one form of travel to another.
Speed Profiles data was a perfect fit for the researchers as the product is the most accurate way to calculate the estimated time of arrival. Using a combination of traditional map features and a more in-depth analysis of the road conditions such as the number of cars on the road (as seen by TomTom), curvature and slopes, priority rules, traffic lights and importantly, the time of day. The researchers relied on TomTom to produce pinpoint accurate results.
Results
The results of the study reveal that depending on variations in traffic congestion and frequency of public transport services, door-to-door times vary significantly. When traveling to one of the high-speed rail stations, individuals traveling between Barcelona and Madrid will need to plan an additional 35% travel time when taking a taxi and up to 55% in the case of public transport.
Using TomTom Speed Profiles, the researchers were able to highlight the specific points in the city with the highest delays and congestion at different times of the day. We spoke to the head of the research team Javier Gutiérrez, Director Department of Geography at the Complutense University of Madrid and he confirmed: “Using TomTom Speed Profiles as a source of data for our research and publications has given us great insights and fantastic results. It really offers astounding opportunities for researchers on mobility and transport in cities."
