A Google Maps world first in Singapore

Singapore is the first country in the world to provide both land transport options and traffic information on Google's global online map platform. YouTube video from GOOGLESingapore.

We've previously written about the Google Trike recently spotted in Singapore mapping out street views of hard-to-reach places on the island. Now, the little Red Dot gets easier to navigate as Google rolls out an integrated Google Maps Singapore, complete with public transport and real-time traffic information -- Singapore is first country to get both, according to the web search giant.

It's the result of a collaboration between Google and Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA). Mapping, directions and route planning for anyone to get from Alexandra to Bugis using buses, trains, cars, cycles and even good ol' fashion leg power are now all available for free on Google Maps.

Transit and traffic information are also available on mobile devices with Google Maps for Mobile, so commuters and motorists can check the latest updates to make route changes on-the-go.

You'll want to bookmark these URLs -- maps.google.com.sg for PC browsers and m.google.com.sg/maps for mobile phones.

For public transport commuters and passengers, Google Maps Singapore combines bus and train information to provide up to three options for routes to any destination in Singapore. Pick your best option and the results appear in step-by-step printable directions, complete with bus and train station icons.

For drivers and motorists, Google Maps Singapore uses real-time traffic information from LTA to generate the best routes on the roads, which can be adjusted for traffic jams, congestion, and so on. You can even plot a route all the way out of Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand and beyond -- read our coverage of a similar collaboration with Bangkok's transport organizations, including the Mass Transit Authority.

Information is updated every few minutes and supplemented by data that's "crowdsourced" -- motorists who have Google Maps for Mobile running and have their GPS and 'My Location' feature switched on will send anonymous bits of information to Google for a more accurate live representation of traffic conditions.

Additional Google mapplets are also available on the site. These are useful mini-applications developed by third parties for the Singapore site that can be added directly on to the Google Maps search. They include details on current traffic incidents, ERP locations/rates, cycle routes (from National Parks Board), petrol station finder, carpark finder, highway cameras and more. For example, the incidents mapplet displays real-time traffic incidents, constructions and road closures island-wide. If traffic looks sluggish, you can find out what is causing the problem by clicking on the pin to get additional details such.

"Google's goal is to bring LTA's accurate, comprehensive land transport information together on a global mapping platform for easy access, search and use on PCs and mobile phones by millions of Singaporeans and Google Maps users around the world," said Ed Parsons, Geospatial Technologist, Google, at the launch of Google Maps Singapore. "Google Maps seeks to provide users with tools to help them explore the world around them and working with LTA to improve the daily lives of Singaporeans is an example of how Google can partner with government agencies to serve the public on a national scale."