Welcome to the web site for The Infomatics Project. Our project aims to provide a central hub for interchanging mobile-centric data.

The initial focus is to provide a fully-featured service for 'Car PC' enthusiasts within the United Kingdom, providing a free service for individuals who have already fitted their own customisable navigation/MP3 system based on PC hardware and want to add travel and traffic information, weather, remote tracking, email and more at low cost. If you want to learn more about Car PCs, have a look here or here

To use this service on your Car PC you will require our special software client, which is currently under rapid development although developer details will be freely available. These integrate with GPRS and 3G modems to allow regular data communication with this server, and present the data in a format that will not distract you while on the move, or for the passenger provide some interaction. Our services are optimised to minimise GPRS/3G data costs. Register for free to create your personal secure account for configuring your services, and to download the client when it is released.

This service was initially visualised and developed by three members of the UK CarPc community as a way of getting locational based traffic information how ever evolved so that it could be platform independent and expandable with in a standard and documented format.

The Project

The project has two main aims - to aggregate useful information and present it in a cost-effective, fast format for use on the move via GPRS, and automatically public useful information onto the internet while on the move. In short it is a basis for a full telematics system that can be used by any private individual for free.

On the move, the main method of accessing this data is via a 'Car PC' or 'Carputer' - This is custom PC hardware providing the same kind of features as a car navigation system, but much more customisable. You can learn more about Car PCs at either Steve's site (www.stevieg.org/carpc) or (www.letscommunicate.co.uk/carpc). Both these sites link to the main community 'forums' for finding out more about building your own.

Traffic Service Demonstration

If you would like to have a look at just one of the services available on the move using our services, have a play with our Web-based client based on Google Maps. The service loads traffic information for BBC Tpeg Traffic Information and live data from The Highways Agency - Motorway Matrix Boards and Live Motorway Speeds.

Car PC Services under development

The following services are current being readied for use with our Traverse Infomatics client:

Location Sensitive Traffic Information - Live data integrated into your navigation program to automatically avoid traffic jams
GPS Tracking - See where your vehicles are and view journey histories.
Remote Information - Install a webcam in your car and have pictures of your driving available for family and friends to see, upload live information such as what music you are listening to, engine RPM, fault codes for remote diagostics - or if you're lending your wife your car, make sure she's OK.
Web based Points of Interest - Find more places using web-based POI, such as local takeaway restaurants, the cheapest petrol locally
Voice-enabled instant messaging and Email - Communicate with MSN buddies or Email friends without taking your eyes off the road
Follow friends - If you have friends or colleagues with the Infomatics tracking client, they can allow you to track them while on the move. Our service will allow the navigation software to direct you to their location, following them as they make their way.

Future Developments

Over the next few months we plan to extend the service to include public transport information, cameras, speed cameras, points of interest & messaging.

Develop Your Own Services

If you want to develope your own application then you will be able to do so. We will be providing details of the data format and how to use it. Then we will publicise your application right here as long as its not charged for so others can use it - no matter what platform its based on.

Traffic Information

Live, up-to-date traffic information is provided direct from BBC Travel information, using their TPEG service, and direct from the Highways Agency. Your Car PC will be able to know what the matrix boards say before you can see them, what the average speeds of sections of motorways are, outstanding roadwork's, and most importantly localised BBC travel information giving an intelligent overview of the traffic situation.