Google adds real-time traffic data to Maps application

Google has added real-time traffic data to its Maps navigation software for users in Europe and the US.

Google Maps Navigation is now available as a free beta for Android smartphones, and uses historical data as well as current traffic reports to analyse the fastest route between two points.

It will also include other options, such as the shortest route or via highways rather than main roads.

"Google Maps Navigation (Beta) will now automatically route you around traffic," said Roy Williams, software engineer at the Google Maps Team, in a blog post.

"With more than 35 million miles driven by Navigation users every day, this should add up to quite a bit of time saved."

Part of the data used in the traffic forecasts comes from people who already use Google's mapping functions and enable My Location. This allows the handset's movement to be tracked via GPS, giving instant traffic and speed measurements.

Google has been steadily adding to its Maps software, merging data from  Streetview and Google Earth, and adding 3D and porting the application to platforms like tablets.