Houston TranStar introduces a new format for viewing its traveler information using the Microsoft Virtual Earth map platform. The system merges Houston TranStar's extensive traveler information system with the up-to-date map detail and imagery of the Virtual Earth platform.CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here
The new tool gives users additional mapping options for viewing traffic information, but will not replace the existing Real Time Traffic Map. The Virtual Earth map allows Houston TranStar to combine information onto one detailed map, with options such as viewing street level data on either road or photographic aerial maps.
"The new Virtual Earth Map gives users even more choices: With this tool, they can customize views of events and devices that have been mapped by the Houston TranStar System on the high-resolution imagery that Virtual Earth provides," said John R. Whaley, director of Houston TranStar. "With just a mouse click, visitors can see on which roadway an incident has occurred, where planned or existing construction is located, view messages from freeway signs, and view traffic speeds."
Like the existing Real Time Traffic Map, the system allows users to zoom in or out of specific areas in the Houston region. But the new Virtual Earth map provides enhanced panning and zooming capabilities and lets the user access links to travel and traffic information in other Texas cities by zooming out to the statewide view.
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The new map can be accessed on the Houston TranStar web site at http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/ve/. The original map is still available at http://traffic.houstontranstar.org.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Houston TranStar unveils new Virtual Earth Map
Some Houston folks might find this useful:
