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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

Create the app

Login to your Pickcel account. Go to the Apps module, search for the Google Traffic app using the search field, and click on the Create App button.
Search for Google Traffic app and click Create App
2

Enter a name

Enter a unique Name for the app instance. This is how it will appear in your Media library.
Enter app name
3

Set the location

Enter the Location whose traffic you want to display (e.g. “Manhattan, NY”, “HR Tech Park, Bangalore”).
Enter location
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.
Zoom LevelMap CoverageBest For
1 – 4Continent / CountryDecorative or informational displays
5 – 8Region / Large CityAirports, train stations, inter-city hubs
9 – 12City / DistrictHotel lobbies, corporate campuses
13 – 16Neighbourhood / StreetVenues, retail stores, event centres (recommended)
17 – 20Block / Building LevelHyper-local detail
Set zoom level
5

Select a theme

Choose a Theme for the map. The default is Silver.
ThemeAppearanceIdeal Environment
SilverLight grey, clean and minimalCorporate offices, modern hotel lobbies
NightDark background, bright accentsBars, lounges, cinema foyers
RetroWarm, aged paper tonesHeritage properties, boutique hotels
AubergineRich purple-grey paletteLuxury brands, spas, high-end retail
DarkDeep charcoal, high-contrast linesBroadcast studios, control rooms
CreedStrong contrast, clean geometryCreative agencies, tech companies
Select theme
6

Set orientation

Select Landscape or Portrait to match your screen’s physical mounting.
Set orientation
7

Preview and create

Click Preview to verify the map looks correct. Once satisfied, click Create App. The app is saved to your Pickcel Media library under the name you specified.
Preview and create the app
Your Google Traffic app is now ready to use.

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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).