What is TrafficSam?
TrafficSam is a product variant of Destinator 6 for PDAs. The functionalities are identical. What is special about TrafficSam, however, is the additional use of European Premium-TMC-Services to avoid traffic jams and congestion whereas the standard software can only utilize free TMC.
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What is the difference between conventional TMC and TrafficSam?
TrafficSam is the first mobile system to use TMC premium services from TrafficMaster (UK), TMCpro (Germany) and ViaMichelin (France) in order to travel comfortably through the whole of Europe. Drivers receive exact and up-to-date information about tailbacks and obstructions along their planned route in the shortest possible time. Based upon this information they can decide whether to use an alternative route suggested by Destinator and which is dynamically calculated for them immediately. In contrast to the conventional free TMC reports, the automatically collected TrafficSam data is transmitted very quickly and as a result false reports and long waiting times in traffic jams can be avoided. In other words: the destination is reached far quicker with TrafficSam. This service doesn’t stop at the country’s border but allows the reception of this high quality premium service whilst travelling abroad at no additional cost (no monthly subscription, no expensive telephone charges). All of this is included in the license you receive when you purchase Destinator 6 & TrafficSam. The navigation software automatically uses free TMC (where available) outside “TrafficSam countries”.
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Why is TrafficSam better than Free TMC?
Although free TMC services are not available in the UK this feature is extremely useful when travelling abroad (e.g. in Benelux, Germany or Spain). Free TMC, supported by Destinator 6 for PDAs and its predecessors, allows free access to traffic information. The quality of this information is, however, limited: traffic jams which no longer exist are still reported (“phantom tailbacks”) or drivers are informed about a traffic jam long after they find themselves in it. (Other tailbacks are not even reported). The reason for this is the manual collection of the traffic data which can lead to inaccuracies and delays. TrafficSam data, in contrast, stems mainly from automated collection systems. It is transmitted digitally and as a consequence means that traffic congestion is reported faster as are any changes in the level of congestion. The stationary sensors guarantee more up-to-date and precise congestion reports.
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How is TrafficSam data collected?
With the help of sensor loops in the road, stationary sensors on motorway bridges as well as anonymous data from a fleet of mobile sensors (so-called floating cars) it is possible to develop a more accurate and reliable picture of the traffic situation. The traffic reports generated from this traffic modeling are passed on in an encrypted form to the navigation system where they are used for a more efficient calculation of an alternate route. These traffic reports, generated from their own data sources, are not only transmitted faster but, because they are generated by a fully automated system, they are also more accurate and up-to-date. (In comparison: TrafficSam displays traffic jams in maximum within 9 minutes, free TMC and radio broadcasts in Europe report traffic congestion within 20 – 90 minutes).
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What costs occur through the use of TrafficSam?
The only cost incurred is the cost of purchasing Destinator 6 for PDAs & TrafficSam.
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Which countries can I use TrafficSam in?
TrafficSam can currently be used in the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Data is collected local providers, Trafficmaster (UK), TMCpro (D) and ViaMichelin (F). There are no additional costs.
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Does TrafficSam work with any TMC receiver?
No. TrafficSam works only with GNS TMC receivers.
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I already own the standard version of Destinator 6. Is there a possibility of upgrading to the TrafficSam variant?
Yes, but please note that there is no update from the normal version to TrafficSAM. You can buy the new version for the upgrade price. Please ask your local retailer for further information.
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Is there a support hotline which can answer any additional questions I might have?
Please note that Intrinsyc does not provide direct phone or email assistance to end users of products incorporating Destinator software. For support issues, consult your local reseller or the device manufacturer.
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