The estimated time of arrival, or ETA, is a calculation or prediction of when a person or object is expected to reach a specific destination. This projection often incorporates current speed, remaining distance, and any known impediments to progress. For example, a navigation app might display an ETA for a driver based on traffic conditions and the chosen route.
Accurately forecasting arrival has numerous benefits, including improved coordination, resource allocation, and customer satisfaction. Historically, estimations relied on simple speed and distance calculations. Today, however, sophisticated algorithms incorporate real-time data to provide increasingly precise and reliable predictions. Accurate arrival forecasting is vital in logistics, transportation, project management, and service industries.