WayPoints! GPS Central News. January 2009.

GPS navigation devices are now in the world full-force. Heck, there's even a Wikipedia article in the making now. {Hmmm - maybe it's time to contribute...} Wikipedia's article-in-progress says certain GPS devices feature 'pre-installed embedded software.' It goes on to say that software includes 'interactive street maps (of certain regions) that may also show points of interest, route information, and step-by-step routing directions.'

That's true. Each manfacturer uses a proprietary set of map data. For instance, you'll have no luck using a Magellan map in a Garmin product, or TomTom MapShare with MIO product. It's like jamming a Toyota carburator into a Nissan, or wearing an Yves St Laurent gown with Prada shoes, or breeding turkeys and chickens. That's the first thing.

The second thing is the fascinating world of digital mapping and map software makers. It's a new format for an old art/science, i.e. cartography. Garmin uses Navteq's mapping software. TomTom uses Tele Atlas maps; so does MIO, albeit in a different format. Magellan's new Triton series featured compatibility with National Geographic maps. Even internet maps like Google Maps (Tele Atlas), MapQuest (Navteq), Yahoo (Navteq) and MSN Live Search Maps (Navteq) are fuelled by these map makers' work.

So, if you notice inaccuracies in your GPS unit's database, go straight to the source! Map makers love to hear from you (seriously). Tele Atlas has multilingual forms on its website for error reporting and map feedback. Navteq has a Map Reporter. As well, Garmin's website has an Error Report Form for maps.

Check mfgrs here: Garmin maps | TomTom maps | Magellan maps

Quick tips

It's not super complicated. Like most things, a certain GPS just grabs ya'. If you like the ads, the look, how it feels in your hands, it's likely it's your thing. But...

What are the best maps? They all have strengths, weaknesses, proprietary innovations. To find what's best for you, ask, research, call us. If you want topographical maps, for instance, you might not want a TomTom, as there's no capacity for it. In fact, TomTom has no outdoor (handheld) product line. For driving around though, TomTom has MapShare, which is a very innovative - a user correcting system! (Note: Some Canadian users who are not in major centres say TomTom's maps need a lot more data for rural areas.)

In Canada: One customer visited us, saying his GPS, which he bought in the US at a great price, was broken. It had no Canada maps, he said. It did work fine! However, there was no Canada map preloaded. The unit he purchased [nuvi 200] had only US maps. He bought a small Canada map on SD card and it was all good.

How do I use different maps? There are esentially 3 formats: DVD/CD ROM, SD card and downloadable versions. It depends what you want, device you own, cost. Whatever maps you may be interested in are probably listed with your own unit's "Accessories." Maps can be bought for areas worldwide. That said, maps are in continual development, i.e. new areas, countries, streets in your city.

How do I update my maps? There are 2 formats: DVD/CD ROM and downloadable. It depends on the brand you own. Changes occur fast these days! The GPS/GNSS world is abuzz with developments, innovations and creativity right now, so we expect developers have a lot of surprises in store for us yet!

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MAD maps. Garmin offers scenic tour downloads (MAD MAPS) for approx. CDN $20, though only USA tours are available. Still, it's good to know if you visit the Smoky Mountains, New Mexico - or wonder what's Outta Town while on a business trip. You can also get information for Rally Rides motorcycle events in Daytona, Laconia, Myrtle Beach, Sturgis.

Legends. Getting to know your icons. There is probably a lot more information in your GPS than you realize! For instance, here is the Garmin legend (link):

Accuracy. Map accuracy is generally advanced. It's not a perfectly mapped, unchanging world! - and most people have fun with the odd discrepency between map and ground. As noted above, if you feel there are errors or locations missing, just dial up the map maker. Data is useful, especially to correct errors. At GPS Central, one staffer was peeved that Canada National Historic Sites are not POIs (Points of Interest) or even on published paper maps, so we began data collecting (GPS Project 2008), for submission to Navteq and TeleAtlas. We hope to see these locations crop up in City Navigator North America NT some day! Motto: Don't get mad, just submit data.

CRAZY ABOUT MAPS!

Quick tips

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