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The Google Traffic App is a real-time digital signage application powered by Google Maps. It displays live road conditions, congestion levels, and traffic flow for any location in the world, directly on your Pickcel-managed screens. Whether deployed in hotel lobbies, corporate reception areas, or transportation hubs, this app gives audiences immediate, actionable travel intelligence.
This app uses the Google Maps JavaScript API. Traffic data accuracy and availability are subject to Google’s coverage for the selected region. Real-time updates are served as long as the player maintains a live internet connection.
Supported Players: Android, TCL, Tizen, Windows, Sony, and Raspberry Pi.
1

Open Apps and search for Google Traffic

In the Pickcel console, expand Content in the left menu and select Apps. Search for Google Traffic using the search field.
Pickcel Apps page with Google Traffic searched and the app card shown
2

Create the app

Click the Google Traffic card. A details panel opens with a preview of the app. Click Create App to open the editor.
Google Traffic app details panel with the Create App button
3

Enter a name and set the location

Enter a unique Name for the app instance; this is how it will appear in your Media library. Start typing in Location and pick the matching suggestion from the dropdown (e.g. “Manhattan, NY”, “HR Tech Park, Bangalore”).
Location field with autocomplete suggestions for Manhattan, New York
4

Choose a zoom level

Set the Zoom Level (1–20) to control how closely the map is zoomed. We recommend 15–16 for showing traffic on specific roads near your venue, ideal for helping guests and visitors plan their route in real time.
Google Traffic form with app name, location, and zoom level 15 filled in
5

Preview, pick a theme, and set orientation

Click Preview to render the live map. Once it loads, switch Theme to compare styles, and Layout Type unlocks so you can pick Landscape or Portrait to match your screen’s physical mounting. The default theme is Silver.
Live traffic map preview in Silver theme, landscape layout, showing Manhattan with color-coded traffic flow
6

Create the app

Once satisfied, click Create App. A success dialog confirms the app was created and offers to walk you through adding it to a composition.
Google Traffic created successfully dialog with a link to the Media section
The app is stored in Content > Media under the name you gave it, with type App.

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Best Practices

  • Set zoom to 7–8 for motorway/highway conditions and 10–12 for city-centre traffic.
  • Use Silver in bright spaces and Night or Dark in dimly lit environments.
  • Schedule the app during peak commute periods (e.g. 07:00–09:30, 17:00–19:30) to maximise relevance.
  • Pair with the Weather app in a split-screen composition for a complete travel snapshot.
  • When deploying across locations, name each instance clearly (e.g. “Traffic - Singapore CBD”).

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Troubleshooting

Ensure the player has an active internet connection. Google Maps requires outbound HTTPS access.
Use a full city name or recognised landmark rather than abbreviations.
Traffic data requires a minimum zoom level of approximately 7. Increase the zoom and republish.
This is normal during initial download. If it persists, restart the player and check its network connection.
Confirm the orientation setting matches the physical screen rotation. Republish after correcting.
Next StepsYour Google Traffic app is now saved in your media library. Here’s what you can do next:

Add to a Composition

Embed the app in a multi-zone layout alongside other content like weather, news, or announcements.

Publish to Screens

Assign the app directly to a screen or screen group, either full-screen or on a schedule (e.g. peak commute hours).