Car navigation systems have been with us for a while now, and every year it seems like new features are added to the various systems. All of them are based on GPS, or global positioning systems. In a nutshell, the device interacts with a satellite that establishes, with varying degrees of precision, exactly where it is. Depending on the system, it uses DVD for backup information or other software that has specific geographic information to pinpoint your location, right down to the street corner.
There are a number of GPS systems that are sold as individual handheld devices, and there are even some phones with the feature built in. But for cars, virtually all manufacturers now install them as an option. Many of them are provided by major electronics manufacturers as OEM items.
A GPS position, i.e. your place on the planet, is of little use unless the device providing that information can put it into a frame. That’s where some of these systems are better than others, and where failures often occur. A typical automotive GPS will have a small dash-mounted display that shows your position on a map. It is critical that any source providing that map be up to date, perhaps the most common objection heard from drivers with CD or DVD compatible GPS systems.
Many of today’s systems allow you to enter your starting point and/or destination and then provide driving directions along the way. They will also provide you with information on gas stations and hotels along the route, along with information on points of interest throughout the country. Generally, newer versions of this technology manage to stay up-to-date through downloads. One of the difficulties, however, may be the decision to deviate. That can mean a major reprogramming headache, and for many cars, the entire system may need to be turned off.
General Motors’ OnStar system has been in operation for several years and has provided navigation assistance along with other remote functions, including contacting an OnStar employee in times of emergency. Their latest navigation methodology provides “turn by turn” instructions that take you through your course from start to finish.
In this case, address details are downloaded from the OnStar service. A driver presses the OnStar button and then tells an OnStar operator where they are going. Appropriate directional information is downloaded within moments to your car’s GPS device. Instructions are displayed in text on the dash monitor and there is also a voice prompting you to make the correct turns.
Problems? With this system, the OnStar operator needs to start giving their schedule a direction. Therefore, you will need to know the street number of the Holiday Inn you are leaving from. There are also times when the operator is not going to find a site in the database, either because your information is incomplete or theirs is. If your plans change with the OnStar system, it will simply tell you that you went off route until you contact the OnStar call center again and ask them to reroute your vehicle.
Pioneer Electronics has been among the leading providers of in-dash navigation systems and its new products will combine navigation, entertainment and connectivity features for maximum consumer appeal. Its navigation system has its route guidance information built right into the unit and includes nearly 11 million points of interest, voice directions, and mapping. Its portable version of this device includes wireless connectivity and entertainment features.