Traffic Alert System

Description This Python script uses the Google Maps API to get directions and monitor traffic conditions for a specified route. It compares the current route's waypoints with a standard route's waypoints to determine if there are any deviations due to traffic. If there are deviations or if the trip duration exceeds a certain threshold, it displays a desktop notification using win10toast.

This script can be configured to run periodically. I use this daily to let me know if there is traffic on my commute home, or if there is a shorter alternative to my usual drive home. The automatic alerts are nice because I don't have to enter the trip into a navigation app.

Prerequisites

• Python 3.x
• Google Maps API key
• googlemaps Python library
• win10toast Python library

Installation

1. Install the required Python libraries:

    pip install googlemaps win10toast  

2. Ensure you have your Google Maps API key saved in a text file.

Files

standard_route.json: Contains the standard route information in JSON format.
request_file.json: Contains the request details for the trip.
trip_details.json: (Optional) File to save the current route details if needed.

JSON File Structure

trip_details.json

{  
    "api_key": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",  
    "origin": "Starting address or coordinates",  
    "destination": "Destination address or coordinates",  
    "mode": "driving", // or "walking", "bicycling", "transit"  
    "avoid": ["tolls", "ferries", "highways"], // optional  
    "alternate_msg": "Alternate route detected due to traffic.",  
    "standard_msg": "Your route is clear."  
}