Satellite traffic reporting system and methods

Abstract

With a constellation of low-earth orbiting satellites, instantaneous photographs of all large cities can be made available in real-time or near real-time. Those photographs can be downloaded to ground stations, and there photographically interpreted to determine traffic conditions. The use of high and low photographic resolution permit making distinctions between different causes of traffic conditions. A color-coded map may be generated showing all major roads and their current status, showing such conditions as light traffic, medium traffic, heavy traffic and traffic accidents or jams, for example. These color-coded maps or color-coded alphabetized lists of streets may be broadcast to subscribers (broadcast stations, companies or individuals). From the color-coded traffic report, the subscribers are updated about which routes to avoid and what the best detours are around the more congested areas.