Archive for the ‘Cars Navigation’ Category
Sat Nav systems in vehicles is wholly dependent on the quality of the mapping software database that drives the reliability of the displays shown to drivers. The best systems are based on first hand observation of geographic features rather than relying on official government maps. One of the leaders in this field is Navteq.
Owned by Nokia, but run independently of the parent corp, Navteq automotive navigation systems that are part of the vehicle manufacturers option packages are almost 85% Navteq based. Portable GPS devices manufactured by Garmin, Magellan, and others; and web-based applications, such as Yahoo! Maps, Bing Maps, and MapQuest also use Navteq for their maps.
The biggest problem with relying on the various automotive navigation system are the errors that are encountered when using the systems. Errors occur frequently in large urban areas due to the rapidly changing landscape of local roads and major highways alike. The northeast corridor from Washington DC to New England is especially subject to almost daily road rerouting as on-going construction plays havoc with standard mapping routines.
Reliable Sat Nav needs constant input and updating and having local cartographers in and near major population centers constantly updating their mapping surveys is necessary to stay ahead in the vehicle navigation game. Some navigation device makers provide free map updates for their customers to easily access on-line.