WeatherBonk Assists Travelers
Free Mashup Combines Google Maps, Live Traffic and Weather Reports
Jan 22, 2008
Acquired by The Weather Channel Interactive in 2007, WeatherBonk is a real-time interactive mashup that combines Google Maps with various other weather related information, into one convenient and exciting application, at no cost.
Mashups are web applications that combine information and data from different sources and applications to create a brand new application. "Mashups are the fastest growing ecosystem on the web today", said ZDNet Executive Editor David Berlind.
Going on a business trip or family vacation by car? Worried about road conditions, winter weather or road closures? With WeatherBonk, current weather and road conditions are easily accessable with the simple click of a mouse. Simply type in the starting point and final travel destination, the date and estimated time of travel, and WeatherBonk does the rest. Up-to-the-minute road conditions, live webcams, real temperatures and the forecast for the entire route, are available in one location. Traveling by car has never been easier.
Some of the WeatherBonk features and interactive tools are listed below:
Live Conditions and Weather Information
- To begin, type location in the "Search" box.
- Set current location as the default or add to Favorites
- Quick forecast available by typing in zip code
- Display information using Metric system or English system
- Hurricane tracking
- National Weather Service Alerts
- Monthly averages show high and low temperature and precipitation amount for area
- Shows area webcams
Weather Forecast
- For current weather forecasts and conditions, choose from three providers:
- Weather
- Weather Bug
- NWS Digital Weather
Interactive Live Maps
- The interactive map is Google powered
- Ability to pan and zoom in or out on map
- Drag map to see other nearby locations
- Different views are available; map, satellite or hybrid
- Temperature, cloud, and radar information overlays are also available
Weather for Your Route Trip Forecast
- Provides up-to-date weather conditions for travel
- To begin, type in travel starting point and final destination
- Further customize by adding speed, date and time of trip. Click “Go” for results
- Click “Map”, “Satellite” or “Hybrid” for varying views of travel map
- Live webcams along route for current visual information for specific locations
Traffic button
- Various information includes current road construction and closures, one lane information and speed
- Traffic cams are also available
The weather information on WeatherBonk is acquired from various sources including personal weather stations from schools and homes, the National Weather Service, Weather Bug, the Weather Underground and the Citizen Weather Observe Program.
WeatherBonk also includes a helpful forum for registered users.
WeatherBonk is a smart compilation of Google Maps, in-depth weather and traffic information and live webcams. The forecast looks clear and sunny with WeatherBonk, an easy-to-use and convenient application that provides peace-of-mind for travelers. This mashup is highly recommended. Bookmark it today!
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