Olympics 2012

[bgodette]

We know from Carmageddon that Waze HQ has the ability to force segment(s) to an average speed of 0 without requiring tile rebuilds. The direct effect of course is routing avoids those segments.

As long as all new construction is mapped, and Waze HQ has an accurate timetable for when particular segments are closed, most everything should work perfectly except for when traffic is detoured to go both ways or the wrong way down a normally one-way street.

[Dave2084]

I think that the Olympics are a great opportunity for Waze to showcase itself. If they can partner with TV or better still the likes of the AA/RAC then everyone is a winner, especially the motorist. This is probably the best such opportunity since Carmageddon.

However, there is only six months or so to prepare and really the vast majority of London (and anywhere else hosting events) and major routes in and out of the country should be FULLY mapped prior to it all starting.

Gotta wonder ... should be be directing all our efforts to this?
(Once we've resolved the current discussions on standards)

[Dave2084]

How about an Olympics Sub forum?

[dknight212]

A prompt for a discussion of if/how we could make allowance for the Olympics in Waze. This is London-centric though similar problems might well exist elsewhere and need to be factored into any discussion. I hope I have identified the major problems but this is only to prompt discussion and I am quite prepared for others to disagree with anything here.

Problem 1 - there are new permanent roads and layouts for some of the Olympic sites

Problem 2 - for several weeks there will be temporary changes in road layouts, there may also be day to day changes for races etc

Problem 3 - there will be significant traffic disruption in some areas, partly due to problem 2, hopefully nothing extra needs to be done for this though were the temporary changes to be made Waze could provide a much better service

The Olympics will be an excellent opportunity to show how Waze can provide up to date traffic information and also quickly take account of road changes as necessary. However there are costs and risks involved. Publicly announcing that Waze will provide full changes for the Olympics may expose it to criticism were it to fail; on the other hand not taking account of the changes could also be criticised and would miss the PR opportunity. However, given that the temporary road closures are only for a few weeks, perhaps it would be better to concentrate on problem 1 and assisting if necessary for problem 3. Waze could then take the flak for not having all the temporary changes. I am not aware of what other providers are doing.

Basic background on the Olympics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Olympics

of which the timing is most important:

The 2012 Summer Olympics (the Games of the XXX Olympiad) are planned to take place between 27 July 2012 and 12 August 2012.

The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games will be the fourteenth Paralympics and will take place between 29 August 2012 and 9 September 2012 at the Summer Olympics venues in London.

Background reading on the road changes is at:

http://www.london2012.com/olympic-route ... -work.html

Measures may include:
– changes to traffic signal timings;
– restricted turns;
– side road closures to general traffic (except local residents and businesses where possible);
– suspension of parking and waiting bays;
– suspension of some pedestrian crossings;

There have been a few reports on the impact on the transport network, see the overview at:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/lon ... 21819.aspx

Around 70 per cent of the road network in Greater London will be unaffected. However, some locations will be severely affected at some times. The location and time of severely affected areas will change throughout the Games.

and the much larger report by the Traffic Commissioner (PDF):

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/ ... tspots.pdf

However, the Mayor has been quoted as pouring cold water on some of the worst predictions.

Problem 1 - this is a no brainer, Waze should have the permanent roads in its database in any case. In order for the best service, these roads need to be fully validated well before next Summer. How do we best ensure the roads are correct?

Problem 2 - taking account of the temporary changes to the road network would provide a far higher quality service during a potentially chaotic time on the roads. However, this would entail all the temporary measures being taken into account and switched on and off quickly. The quick turnaround of changes would need Waze HQ input to ensure prompt tile generation. There would also be a risk that the changes didn't get unmade after the Olympics due to server crashes, etc. Editors would need to be on stand-by for quick changes to routes etc either due to misunderstandings in the original specification, changes made by the authorities in the light of experience, or day to day changes such as marathon, bicycle race routes.

Problem 3 - I'm not sure what if anything is necessary to accommodate the different traffic patterns. Should Waze HQ reset some road data on the major problem routes?

Thoughts please!

[dknight212]

All good points!

[dknight212]

Ok, thanks everyone for a good discussion. It seems we need to focus on getting the road infrastructure right as soon as possible. I am very willing to do a lot of work but the east is the area of London I know least about, so can someone else take the lead/co-ordinate? Or should people just drop things to do in this forum thread? Welcome any ideas on how to take this forward.

[dknight212]

Any chance you (David) could draw up a list of the major roads in and out of the Olympic site, i.e. major A roads, TfL trunks, etc so we can start there and work through it methodically? I would do it but don't know it too well.

That's my problem too! But I see what I can dig out this week. Anyone else please feel free to beat me to it. We shouldn't forget that other areas are also holding events not just East London even if that area is the one that needs the most attention regardless of the Olympics.

[dknight212]

Richard, thanks, I have the rights just not the knowledge

David, using Tapatalk

[dknight212]

Here's a starter for ten:

The Olympic Route Network and Paralympic Route Network (ORN and PRN) are networks of roads linking all the competition and key non-competition venues for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

They will enable key participants, such as athletes and officials, to travel safely, securely and efficiently between venues and their accommodation, while also keeping London and the rest of the UK moving.

Map:

http://www.london2012.com/orn/maps/orn-overview.pdf [pdf]

Source: http://www.london2012.com/orn/home.php

[dknight212]

Thanks for the link...

http://www.london2012.com/orn/supportin ... n-time.pdf

This one has more detailed maps of the "games lanes". It also show's the lanes outside of London for the other areas (Weymouth ect...)

And an idea of the impact, presumably we ought to get all the major roads and alternatives working in these areas:

http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/trave ... roads.html