The Modern Journalist

You Want Traffic Reports? I Got ‘Em Right Here.

One of the big drivers of traffic to news websites is traffic and weather (along with breaking news), but that may soon go the way of the classified ads thanks to Global Positioning System devices that can transmit data (uh oh, there’s that word again. The bane of all newspaper existence.) and create live, on-the-go traffic models for other drivers.

After all, you don’t really need traffic data when you’re at home — although it’s helpful in planning a trip, you need it when you’re out on the road. A new company — Dash Navigation — is selling two-way GPS devices for cars that will create real-time mashup maps, according to this story in the Washington Post.

Here’s how it works. It can even help you locate cheap gas. Holy smokes.

The company has already generated considerable buzz, although its forthcoming launch will probably be a bit less than spectacular until there is a critical mass of people using the devices. I’d expect this to start on the coasts and slowly work its way through the metropolitan areas in the middle of the country.

This is yet another example of why newspapers are in serious trouble. We can now go directly to the data source for our “stories.” There’s no reason to wait for the traffic helicopter to fly by.

What will be interesting is if newspaper — and local television stations — partner with Dash Navigation to provide real-time data, partnering with a company such as this instead of fighting them as they did with Craig’s List.