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Customisable Traffic Parameters Without Compromising Performance
TravelTime has added a new parameter to the Core (/fast) endpoints to give our users more control over the traffic conditions used for the driving mode.
This new parameter allows you to choose either peak or off-peak traffic conditions, while still using our high-performance Core endpoint.
Why We've Added Customisation to Core
For each of our offerings: Matrix, Isochrone, H3, and Routes, we have two endpoints - Core and Custom.
Core offers faster performance at scale and has fewer customisable parameters than Custom, which is designed for unique configurability. And until now, the Core endpoint was limited to only supporting peak time driving conditions.
Today, by adding an off-peak traffic option, users enjoy the benefits of the Core performance and scalability, with additional configurability that was previously only available on the Custom endpoints.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Traffic Models in Action
In the simplest terms, using the off-peak traffic model reduces the level of congestion and increases driving speeds across the road network.
Isochrone endpoint
The impact of this can be seen most obviously by comparing isochrones using the two different models: peak vs. off-peak.
The image below shows a 30-minute driving area from the TravelTime London Office at both peak and off-peak times.
You can build your own isochrones in our API playground.
H3 endpoint
A similar result can be seen when comparing H3 responses.
In this case, using the off-peak option both extends the reach of the covered H3 cells, and reduces the travel time to cells that were already reachable using peak traffic.
You can build your own H3 visualisations in our API playground.
Time Filter endpoint
In the case of the Time Filter Fast endpoint, using the off-peak traffic model will simply mean shorter drive times between points.
The exact difference between the peak and off-peak traffic models for any endpoint depends on how much congestion plays a factor in a particular area.
In dense urban areas, where traffic conditions are likely to change significantly throughout the day, the parameter will have much more impact than in rural areas with hardly any traffic, where it may have no impact at all.
How to Use TravelTime Off-Peak Traffic Model
A new traffic_model parameter has been added inside the transportation object.
It’s an optional string parameter, with two possible values:
- peak (default) - represents the typical traffic conditions for a midweek morning
- off_peak - represents the typical traffic conditions at nighttime
It’s available through the following endpoints:
When to Use the Off-Peak Traffic Model
The off-peak traffic model should be used whenever you want to simulate a low level of congestion.
This could be, for example, when optimising delivery schedules or temporary worker shifts outside of peak traffic times.
Similarly, when using the TravelTime API in a consumer-facing application such as a property portal or job board, using the off-peak traffic model will show users the widest range of results that suit their travel time search preferences.
Unlock customisability and performance at scale with TravelTime’s accurate journey time models. Get started today.
