How Google, Moovit and Citymapper reuse open mobility data

Many people use apps to get around in their daily lives. Apps such as Google Maps, Moovit or CityMapper provide the fastest and most efficient route to a destination. However, what many users are unaware of is that behind these platforms lies a valuable source of information: open data. By reusing public datasets, such as those related to air quality, traffic or public transport, these applications can provide a better service.

In this post, we will explore how the reuse of open data by these platforms empowers a smarter and more  sustainable urban ecosystem .

Google Maps: aggregates air quality information and transport data into GTFS.

More than a billion people use Google Maps every month around the world. The tech giant offers a free, up-to-date world map that draws its data from a variety of sources, some of them open.

One of the functions provided by the app is information about the air quality in the user's location. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a parameter that is determined by each country or region. The European benchmark can be consulted on this map which shows air quality by geolocated zones in real time.

To display the air quality of the user's location, Google Maps applies a model based on a multi-layered approach known as the "fusion approach". This method combines data from several input sources and weights the layers with a sophisticated procedure. The input layers are:

• Government reference monitoring stations
• Commercial sensor networks
• Global and regional dispersion models
• Dust and smoke fire models
• Satellite information
• Traffic data
• Ancillary information such as surface area
• Meteorology

In the case of Spain, this information is obtained from open data sources such as the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, the Regional Ministry of Environment, Territory and Housing of the Xunta de Galicia or the Community of Madrid. Open data sources used in other countries around the worldcan be found here .

Another functionality offered by Google Maps to plan the best routes to reach a destination is the information on public transport. These data are provided on a voluntary basis by the public companies providing transport services in each city. In order to make this open data available to the user, it is first dumped into Google Transit and must comply with the open public transport standard GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification).

Moovit: reusing open data to deliver real-time information

Moovit is another urban mobility app most used by Spaniards, which uses open and collaborative data to make it easier for users to plan their journeys by public transport.

Since its launch in 2012, the free-to-download app offers real-time information on the different transport options, suggests the best routes to reach the indicated destination, guides users during their journey (how long they have to wait, how many stops are left, when they have to get off, etc.) and provides constant updates in the event of any alteration in the service.

Like other mobility apps , it is also available in offline mode and allows you to save routes and frequent lines in "Favourites". It is also an inclusive solution as it integrates VoiceOver (iOs) or TalkBack (Android) for blind people.

The platform not only leverages open data provided by governments and local authorities, but also collects information from its users, allowing it to offer a dynamic and constantly updated service.

CityMapper: born as a reuser of open mobility data

The CityMapper development team recognises that the application was born with an open DNA that still remains. They reuse open datasets from, for example, OpenStreetMap at global level or RENFE and Cercanías Bilbao at national level. As the application becomes available in more cities, the list of open data reference sources from which it draws information grows.

The platform offers real-time information on public transport routes, including bus, train, metro and bike sharing. It also adds options for walking, cycling and ridesharing. It is designed to provide the most efficient and fastest route to a destinationby integrating data from different modes of transport into a single interface.

As we published in the monographic report "Municipal Innovation through Open Data" CityMapper mainly uses open data from local transport authorities, typically using the GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) standard . However, when this data is not sufficient or accurate enough, CityMapper combines it with datasets generated by the application's own users who voluntarily collaborate. It also uses data enhanced and managed by the work of the company's own local employees. All this data is combined with artificial intelligence algorithms developed to optimise routes and provide recommendations tailored to users' needs.

In conclusion, the use of open data in transport is driving a significant transformation in the mobility sector in cities. Through their contribution to applications, users can access up-to-date and accurate data, plan their journeys efficiently and make informed decisions. Governments, for their part, have taken on the role of facilitators by enabling the dissemination of data through open platforms, optimising resources and fostering collaboration across sectors. In addition, open data has created new opportunities for developers and the private sector, who have contributed with technological solutions such as Google Maps, Moovit or CityMapper. Ultimately, the potential of open data to transform the future of urban mobility is undeniable.