Real Time Information

Online News Updates

Formed in the 90’s, online news reports (mentioned in the communication section) allow the user to catch up with the news without a newspaper or TV. Unlike a newspaper, online news can be updated as soon as an event has happened.  The ability of updating news instantly means that users can know exactly what is going on quicker using online and smartphone technology. News updating is therefore part of real time information, which is also part of the information age.

Traffic News

Traffic reporting started as radio reports which have been running since the late 70’s. Recently developed, online traffic news and updates work in a similar way to news updating but work more locally. News of traffic status on certain roads can be updated instantly online. This allows people to plan a journey avoiding traffic queues. Satnav (Satellite Navigation) in cars also feature traffic updates to allow drivers to take a different route to avoid traffic whilst out on the road. Satnav devices also use real time information to update road closures and divert the driver along a different route.

A satnav screen showing the user being directed away from heavy traffic

Air Traffic Control

Real time information and updating is commonly used in controlling air traffic. This method of real time info involves an airport control tower watching the actions and status of planes via computers. The control tower can message the pilots if the plane’s altitude is too high or low for example. Landing and take-off are other examples that the plane can be contacted for although the main job of a control tower is to direct a plane along a flight path.

A screenshot of Flight radar, showing aircraft over parts of Europe

Flight radar is a website that tracks aircraft from your own computer or smartphone. The website allows you to locate a particular aircraft and information about it such as altitude, destination, and speed. This can allow you to track an aircraft a relative is on and see whereabouts they are.

Weather/Webcam

Online weather updates also originated from newspaper and television reports. Due to public interest in weather conditions, the latest weather predictions are part of online real time information. Users can now use the weather predictions to make plans such as what to wear when going out or what would be a good day to organise an event. 

A live webcam of Sydney airport, Australia

For holiday destinations, local webcams are another option of instant weather information. On particular websites, webcams of the area are available to allow the user to view the current weather conditions of that area. Examples of local webcams cover airports, hotels or holiday resorts.

Parcel Tracking

The delivery of a product bought online also uses real time information. When a user has bought a product from an online store, the company can locate the vehicles and containers with the original products. This information is stored in a real time database which also keeps track of many other parcels and deliveries. As the journey of the parcel continues, updates of the parcel’s status are instantly available to the user by entering a unique parcel tracking code to the website.

Bookings

The history of online booking began in 1950’s with air travel bookings using an electronic booking system which located empty seats aboard the plane. As the 20^th century continued, more airlines began using booking systems and the internet booking engine was later developed. The system works by locating seats on a plane, concert or cinema. When a user books a seat, the booking engine sends information of the booking to another system. Then, the seat is marked as booked and therefore, no one else can take it. The system is also capable of booking different types of seats or places including cheaper and more expensive seats. This system is also used in booking hotel rooms and holiday destinations. The online booking system is increasing in popularity as statistics show that a third of bookings are made online.

The logo of Odeon, a cinema company which uses real time info for booking seats for films

Rail Info

Rail travel is common among commuters all over the world and therefore, it is essential that rail websites keep all news up to date. Real time rail information ensures that by reporting the status of every train running. Information given includes the exact times, destinations and any delays. Using online technology, real time rail information informs commuters via the internet or smartphone app instantly of any information that would affect their journey. Real time info also allows users to plan journeys in the future.

Real time rail info allows commuters to keep up to date with everything they need to know

Bus Tracking

Live bus tracking also works like rail info and air traffic control. A user can use their smartphone to enter a bus number to find the location of the bus. The tracking app produces a map which shows where the bus is. This is useful for when a bus is late or just when someone wants to know where their bus is.

London transport is an example of a travel company that has taken up live bus tracking in 2011. This allows commuters in London to locate any bus travelling there as the image below shows.

An example of bus tracking using a smartphone app

Personal Experience

As mentioned before, I sometimes use online news updating to keep up to date with recent news. Because of real time information, online news can be updated instantly which means it is preferred by many users including me when I am online.

I don’t use travel updating information although I believe that travel updates and satnavs which update traffic news would be a great benefit to road users and anyone who travels in general.

I also don’t need to use air traffic information although flight radar is an interesting website to visit. Instant updates and flight radar are helpful for watching the exact location of a single plane and its status.

Online weather reports are very useful millions of online users including me. Using instant weather updates, I can base decisions according to the weather such as what to do during the day. This would apply to many other users. However, I don’t use instant webcams to see the weather conditions unlike some other people.

I don’t often buy online, although I can use parcel tracking when I do. Instant parcel updates mean that I and many others can predict when I receive the product based on where it is currently.

Online booking is also popular with me as it can be easier than booking in real life. The ability to book from your own home or smartphone is another reason why online booking is popular with me and other users. The amount of online bookings each year is also increasing.

As I don’t use rail or bus travel commonly, I don’t use rail info or bus tracking as much as other people would. However, there is a possibility that both of these information services would be useful for me in the future.