> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pickcel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Add the Google Traffic App from the Pickcel App Store?

> Learn how to add and configure the Google Traffic app to display live traffic conditions and road congestion data on your digital signage screens

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.

<Note>
  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**.
</Note>

<Info>
  **Supported Players**: Android, TCL, Tizen, Windows, Sony, and Raspberry Pi.
</Info>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the app">
    [Login to your Pickcel account.](https://console.pickcel.com/) Go to the **Apps** module, search for the **Google Traffic** app using the search field, and click on the **Create App** button.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-Create_app.1hg13nfDD-Br.png" alt="Search for Google Traffic app and click Create App" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter a name">
    Enter a unique **Name** for the app instance. This is how it will appear in your Media library.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-Name_App.pjCFGUOmQgm2.png" alt="Enter app name" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the location">
    Enter the **Location** whose traffic you want to display (e.g. "Manhattan, NY", "HR Tech Park, Bangalore").

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-Enter_location.cCwNgqTJHP6O.png" alt="Enter location" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.

    <Accordion title="Zoom level reference">
      | Zoom Level | Map Coverage           | Best For                                               |
      | ---------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
      | 1 – 4      | Continent / Country    | Decorative or informational displays                   |
      | 5 – 8      | Region / Large City    | Airports, train stations, inter-city hubs              |
      | 9 – 12     | City / District        | Hotel lobbies, corporate campuses                      |
      | 13 – 16    | Neighbourhood / Street | Venues, retail stores, event centres **(recommended)** |
      | 17 – 20    | Block / Building Level | Hyper-local detail                                     |
    </Accordion>

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-Set_Zoom.SzzQ9VW1BC5M.png" alt="Set zoom level" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a theme">
    Choose a **Theme** for the map. The default is **Silver**.

    <Accordion title="Theme reference">
      | Theme         | Appearance                         | Ideal Environment                       |
      | ------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
      | **Silver**    | Light grey, clean and minimal      | Corporate offices, modern hotel lobbies |
      | **Night**     | Dark background, bright accents    | Bars, lounges, cinema foyers            |
      | **Retro**     | Warm, aged paper tones             | Heritage properties, boutique hotels    |
      | **Aubergine** | Rich purple-grey palette           | Luxury brands, spas, high-end retail    |
      | **Dark**      | Deep charcoal, high-contrast lines | Broadcast studios, control rooms        |
      | **Creed**     | Strong contrast, clean geometry    | Creative agencies, tech companies       |
    </Accordion>

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-Select_theme.CWzLCBIP4sdA.png" alt="Select theme" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set orientation">
    Select **Landscape** or **Portrait** to match your screen's physical mounting.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-Orientation.vAawisY0xGLK.png" alt="Set orientation" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://cdn.pickcel.com/images/support/apps/Google_Traffic/Google_traffic-View_Preview.3N2QbBNmQ_vc.png" alt="Preview and create the app" />
    </Frame>

    Your Google Traffic app is now ready to use.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  * 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").
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Map is not loading on screen">
    Ensure the player has an active internet connection. Google Maps requires outbound HTTPS access.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Location is incorrect or map is blank">
    Use a full city name or recognised landmark rather than abbreviations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Traffic overlay is not showing">
    Traffic data requires a minimum zoom level of approximately **7**. Increase the zoom and republish.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="App shows as 'Pending' on player">
    This is normal during initial download. If it persists, restart the player and check its network connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Preview does not match screen output">
    Confirm the orientation setting matches the physical screen rotation. Republish after correcting.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Info>
  **Next Steps**

  Your Google Traffic app is now saved in your media library. Here's what you can do next:

  <CardGroup cols={2}>
    <Card title="Add to a Composition" icon="layer-group" href="/compositions/compositions">
      Embed the app in a multi-zone layout alongside other content like weather, news, or announcements.
    </Card>

    <Card title="Publish to Screens" icon="display" href="/schedule-and-publish/publish-v4">
      Assign the app directly to a screen or screen group, either full-screen or on a schedule (e.g. peak commute hours).
    </Card>
  </CardGroup>
</Info>
