Abstract: A traffic monitoring system for monitoring traffic including a population of users bearing a multiplicity of mobile communication devices, and methods useful for monitoring traffic, the system including a mobile communication network interface receiving, from at least one communication network serving the multiplicity of mobile communication devices, and storing, location information characterizing at least some of the multiplicity of mobile communication devices, and a traffic monitor operative to compute at least one traffic-characterizing parameter on the basis of the location information.

Abstract: A route guidance system, for providing individualized route guidance to from at least one and up to each one of a plurality of selected individual vehicles, which are system participants, and which are moving in at least one traffic stream of a plurality of vehicles is disclosed. Various embodiments of the system commonly include a digital cellular operator, a route guidance web server, and a central traffic light computer. In addition, each vehicle that is a system participant, is provided with means, such as a cellular phone, for transmitting and receiving information, such as vehicle position, destination, and route information, as well as with means for displaying information, such as a recommended route of travel from the vehicle's current location to its destination. Certain embodiments of the system utilize satellite-provided photographic data showing traffic density. A method of providing rout guidance to vehicles is also disclosed.