Abstract: A method and system for collecting traffic data are disclosed. From a satellite or aircraft located at an altitude above a geographic area, a thermal image of the geographic area is obtained. Using a geographic database, the thermal image is matched to the positions of roads in the geographic area. The thermal image is used to determine traffic parameters, such as densities and speed, at specific locations along the roads.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for a geographic database for use with a navigation system includes collecting data indicating parking availability at a parking facility at a plurality of times and analyzing the data indicating parking availability. Based on the analyzing, the method derives historic parking data for the parking facility. The historic parking data indicates past parking availability at the parking facility at predetermined times. The historic parking data is stored in the geographic database. The historic parking data may indicate past parking availability for predetermined time intervals, days of the week, weather conditions and events.