Skip to Content
Navigation in the car Symbol picture- Copyright chombosan @ fotolia.com

Navigation systems in the car

Integrated navigation systems in the car are often not included in the basic model of a vehicle, but usually have to be ordered additionally at an additional cost. In addition, they are often significantly more expensive than mobile navigation devices or even apps on smartphones; however, they can often score points with significantly more performance and additional functions. We explain what makes good navigation software in the car.

GPS and sensors

Mobile navigation devices are only supported by the Global Positioning System (GPS), while integrated navigation systems are connected to numerous sensors and assistance systems in the car; In addition, the GPS reception of built-in navigation systems is significantly stronger thanks to the antennas built into the car and even if there is no GPS reception, the position of the car can be determined by sensors built in the car.

Manufacturers

While some car manufacturers such as Mercedes, Hyundai or Toyota rely on well-known manufacturers of navigation systems such as Garmin or TomTom, other car manufacturers have built in their own developments that are specially tailored to the brand's cars. These brand-specific navigation systems are often significantly more expensive than systems from well-known manufacturers. Audi, for example, offers its own navigation system in the exclusive version for the Audi A3 e-tron for a price of 2.490 euros, while the manufacturer's own navigation system “Discover Pro” is standard equipment in the Volkswagen e-Golf.

What functions should the navigation system have?
In order to avoid traffic jams or slow traffic flows, it is important that traffic information is accessed online and in real time. In this way, impairments can be recognized in good time and avoided if necessary. This function is available in most permanently installed navigation systems, but can also be subject to a charge. For example, some manufacturers only offer the service of free use of "Live Traffic Information" for a certain period of time - often three years; thereafter this service is chargeable.
Voice control of the navigation software is not absolutely necessary, but in some cases it is quite useful.

The search for charging stations is particularly important for electric vehicles and hybrids. If they are entered, they can easily be found and selected in the navigation systems, since there is usually a special function in the navigation systems for electric vehicles. POIs and points of interest (POI) are also popular options and can therefore be called up and displayed in many navigation systems.

Route information is the basis for finding your destination - Copyright Elnur @ fotolia.com
Route information is the basis for finding your destination - Copyright Elnur @ fotolia.com

Route information is the cornerstone of any navigation software. Both a map preview and the selection of alternative routes are available with most of the permanently installed navigation systems. Additional information on the selected route such as country-specific traffic information via tolls / vignettes or speed limits are also very useful and often built into the Audi MMI navigation system, for example).

The map software should be updated regularly for both mobile and built-in navigation devices in order to be able to use the latest maps. The manufacturers usually differ greatly here: While the update to the latest map versions is usually chargeable for mobile navigation devices, it is often a free service for permanently installed systems, for example at Volkswagen or Hyundai. With many manufacturers, however, the update usually has to be downloaded manually from the Internet onto an SD card so that it can then be transferred to the navigation system in the car. Only a few manufacturers, for example Audi or BMW, offer automatic software updates in the navigation system. BMW is the first automobile manufacturer to offer the update of the map software in three different ways: USB full map update via a dealer or the ConnectedDrive Store as well as the automatic update via the installed SIM card. No license fees or transfer costs are due during this process and the navigation remains available during the update.
Other automobile manufacturers offer to install the update during the annual inspection at the dealership. If the updates are free, a lot of money can be saved here.

And finally ...

If you only drive short distances in the vicinity in your own car, a built-in navigation system is probably only worthwhile if it is part of the standard equipment - or if you have to look for a nearby charging station for your electric vehicle. Otherwise, mobile navigation systems or apps on the smartphone are certainly a good choice for short-distance drivers compared to the usually very expensive navigation system in new cars.
For frequent drivers and especially long-distance drivers, built-in navigation systems are definitely an advantage: better traffic data and better position determination make traveling to remote places more comfortable and safer. When traveling, it is also advisable that no mobile navigation device has to be charged using a USB plug and the plug-in options are therefore available for other devices. In addition, the updates can usually be conveniently downloaded and installed in the car. Navigation systems are also an advantage in the city: real-time traffic reports mean that traffic jams or obstructions can be avoided more quickly. However, this service is available in mobile, for example permanently installed, navigation systems, so that the buyer is ultimately spoiled for choice when it comes to the final navigation solution.

Addendum:

Article from the green car magazine issue III / 2017

Cover picture: Navigation in the car Symbol picture- Copyright chombosan @ fotolia.com

You can find more information and detailed information on current topics in the print edition.

Subscription at:

Subscriptions

N. Hawthorn
Translate »