Question

What is the difference between FeatureLayer_TrafficPatterns and SpeedPatterns (as well as TruckTrafficPatterns and TruckSpeedPatterns)?

You want to use historical traffic data for route calculation in PTV xServer (xRoute) for both car and truck routing.

While reviewing the map data directories, you only find:

• FeatureLayer_TrafficPatterns
• FeatureLayer_TruckTrafficPatterns

However, the documentation and routing configuration refer to:

• SpeedPatterns
• TruckSpeedPatterns

Are these different datasets, or do they represent the same data?

Answer

They represent the same underlying data.
The difference is purely terminological and contextual.

Conceptual vs Physical Representation

Detailed Explanation

1. TrafficPatterns (FeatureLayer_TrafficPatterns)

 Required for standard routing

• Contains historical traffic data for general traffic (all vehicles)
• Used for:
  • Car routing
  • ETA calculation
  • Time-based route optimization
• Independent from the map provider (e.g. HERE, TomTom), but must match the map version.

2. TruckTrafficPatterns (FeatureLayer_TruckTrafficPatterns)

Required for truck routing

• Contains truck-specific historical speeds
• Takes into account:
  • Truck driving behavior
  • Road restrictions and characteristics
• Recommended when using:
  • Truck routing profiles (e.g. xRoute Truck)
  • Realistic ETA for heavy vehicles

How it works internally

Step 1
The map package already includes the Feature Layers:

• FeatureLayer_TrafficPatterns
• FeatureLayer_TruckTrafficPatterns

Step 2
These layers are loaded together with the corresponding map.

Step 3
During route calculation:

• Car profiles → use SpeedPatterns
• Truck profiles → use TruckSpeedPatterns

 These are logical layers automatically derived from the Feature Layers.

Additions hints

• SpeedPatterns / TruckSpeedPatterns are not physical datasets.
• Each map version (e.g. 2025.2H, 2026.2H) requires matching traffic pattern data. 
• Traffic pattern data cannot be reused across map versions.

Documentation's link

Feature Layer Basics