TRAFCAM

Speed Camera Warning Systems

Local time is: 21 Nov 2008 08:07

Last Database Update: 17-10-2008
Available Now: TrafCam for TomTom Navigator Version 5! Click here for more information.

Menu:	Home	Buy	Register CD	Prices	Members	News	Products	Status
TomTom Go	Pocket PC	Palm	Symbian Phone	FAQs	Tested	Contact	Links	Coming

Frequently-Asked Questions

Hardware FAQs

Does it work on my <insert device name here>?

Check out the List of Tested Devices for a list of all the devices we have tried out with TrafCam. If your device doesn't appear there, either in the compatible or incompatible list, drop us an email for advice. If we know for sure, though, the information will be on the list.

Will it work on Windows Mobile 6?

Yes, we have several subscribers running without problems on this platform.

Will you develop a version for the new Apple iPhone?

(Updated 05-11-08) We are monitoring the situation with regard to developing applications for iPhone. Same applies for the new Google phone.

Software FAQs

Does it work with my navigation software?

In general, TrafCam for Pocket PC will work at the same time as TomTom Navigator, Medion Navigator (v3.1 only) or on the Garmin iQue M5 (Pocket PC) alongside the Que Navigator software. For other platforms it is not currently possible for TrafCam and navigation software to work together. For more information check out this page.

Does it work with Windows Mobile 5 devices?

Yes, a suitable package for this platform is available. This version of the software uses the "Managed GPS" feature of the Windows Mobile 5 platform to share GPS data with other compatible software.

Can I mark new camera locations and send them in?

On the Palm and Pocket PC platforms, you can indeed mark and submit new camera locations. The user manuals give a more detailed description on exactly how to do this. If there is sufficient demand we will add the functions to the other versions in due course. It seems that customers would prefer us to handle database updates ourselves, hence, the "add camera" ability is missing from most new versions of TrafCam.

What happens when my subscription expires?

Towards the end of the last month of your subscription, our server will send a couple of reminder emails. If you choose not to renew your subscription for any reason, TrafCam will stop working. Our opinion is that a GPS-based warning system is useless unless it is kept up to date.

Camera Location Database FAQs

What countries does TrafCam cover?

Right now, the TrafCam camera location database only covers speed cameras in England, Wales and Scotland, though we are negotiating with overseas suppliers to license data for other countries. If you know of anyone that can help us, please get in touch.

What type of cameras does TrafCam warn about?

TrafCam covers five basic camera types:

Gatso camera - fixed position camera, whether forward or rear facing
SPECS - distance over time digital cameras, typically found in temporary installations such as motorway road works.
DS2 (formerly known as Truvelo) - Road sensors which sometimes have a camera connected up.
Frequent mobile traps - areas where a van or car is often seen.
Truvelo - forward-facing fixed camera locations which do not flash on approach.

We generally do not include traffic-light cameras in our database unless they are combined with speed-sensing apparatus. No matter what reason there might be for exceeding a speed limit, crossing a red light can be very dangerous.

The fifth camera type is something we are adding into the database during 2008. At the moment Truvelo forward-facing cameras are reported as Gatso cameras, but this is changing in new releases of the software.

Where do you get your camera data from?

The majority of camera locations on our database are gathered and verified by our own staff. The PDA versions of the software include the ability for customers to submit new camera locations, and we do receive reports from some subscribers on a regular basis. We monitor police and safety camera partnership web site, and news sources, for information on new cameras so that we can arrange to visit and mark locations.

What percentage coverage do you have?

It's impossible to say, as there is no official total number of installed cameras in the country.

How does your database compare to other warning products?

It is impossible to compare as most companies do not disclose the exact number of cameras that they have on the database. In addition, comparing databases is difficult - do you compare the size, or the last update date, or something else? Based on feedback from our customers, we believe that our database is as good as that of any of the other commercial products available today.

Why should I buy your software when I can get the same for free?

Well, it's true that there are free camera locations databases available for download into certain systems, and these might be suitable for you. But we have our own spotters verifying camera locations all the time, and in most cases we include extra information such as speed limit, road name and direction of relevance. All of this can lead to reduced false alarms.

How often do you update the database?

Whenever we have new information to add, or old cameras to remove. It could be twice a day or once a fortnight, or anything in between. Subscribers can choose to receive an email whenever the camera database is updated, so there is no need to even keep checking the site.

Future Plans for TrafCam

Although we don't like to pre-announce features and new products, we are looking into various new enhancements for the system. These include

To improve the Symbian phone editions of TrafCam to include speed limit and road name information that is available for Palm OS and Pocket PC. We may also add support for newer devices, including those based on Series 60 third edition and UIQ3 platforms.
A way for subscribers to report cameras that have been removed, to further help reduce false alarms.
More functionality including options such as position logging and mileage recording. The next release of TrafCam for Windows Mobile 5 will include some basic tracking features to write a position log into a file that can be loaded into products such as Microsoft Autoroute or Mappoint, and the updated version of TrafCam for TomTom has a similar feature.
To bring TrafCam to new devices and new platforms as they become popular.