Traffic monitoring system and methods for traffic monitoring and route guidance useful therewith

A traffic monitoring method comprising:

• collecting location data from a plurality of users of mobile communication devices;
• and
• analyzing said location data arriving from the plurality of users and rejecting location data which is not traffic data.

A traffic monitoring system for monitoring traffic comprising a population of users bearing a multiplicity of mobile communication devices, the system comprising:

• a mobile communication network interface receiving, from at least one communication network serving the multiplicity of mobile communication devices, and storing, location information characterizing at least some of the multiplicity of mobile communication devices;
• and
• a traffic monitor operative to compute at least one traffic-characterizing parameter on the basis of the location information.

A route guidance method comprising:

• monitoring traffic information characterizing traffic flowing along at least one routes;
• and
• computing and reporting to a traveller, information characterizing the traveller's expected travel time along each of the at least one routes.

A route guidance method comprising:

• monitoring the speed of traffic flowing through a geographical area;
• and
• generating a warning if there is a substantial change in the speed of traffic flowing through a portion of the geographical area.

A route guidance method comprising:

• monitoring traffic information characterizing traffic flowing along a route taken by a driver, including monitoring the current location of the driver;
• and
• computing information characterizing the driver's expected progress along the route and reporting said information to the driver when the driver arrives at a predetermined location along the route.

A directed advertisement method comprising:

• receiving an indication from a travelling user of his desired destination;
• and
• providing advertisement content to the travelling user based on the desired destination.