Cost of map updates for gps

In a similar boat with our Jeep Cherokee. Fark it, money is money, and avoiding being screwed is priceless. I use my smart phone, with a front windshield mount, and get free GPS navigation as much as I want, using the google navigator or any one of the myriad navigation programs for Android. Why anyone would pay for a GPS unit on its own is silly to me, but I understand not everyone has smart phones.

Still, hundreds of dollars to do the data upgrade? For instance, I drove to Chicago a couple of weeks ago; when I got downtown my GPS went screwy and it showed my position as being 2 miles from where I was actually at. Thus it was useless other than being able to pull over and use it like a paper map what intersection are we at dear? This device eases the driving process of getting from point A to point B. It saves time, fuel and headaches. Although most drivers applaud these devices, it is frustrating when instructed to turn onto a closed street, or an error message is received for an entered address.

Whether using a car GPS or a portable model, periodic GPS updates are needed to keep the information used to guide a driver through traffic accurate. Many navigation system companies announce updates on an annual basis, but a few issue updates more frequently. Since portable devices are easily updated via the internet or by connecting the device to a computer, this article will concentrate on built-in car GPS systems.

For a single map service, the car owner needs to decide how often to update. This move is safe to play if one is not sure for how long they want to keep the car or the current GPS.

This cost can significantly increase if the car is taken to a dealership for the updates with labor costs being added. For people who rely on built-in car GPS, they can purchase map updates on a subscription basis. After all, the vehicles cost enough! They are made by a third-party supplier called HERE navigation.

They are amongst the best in mapping and every year find every conceivable road and address update globally to make sure their maps as accurate as possible. You need this special software license key to install new maps, and it will be printed on a small packaging slip in the box. In addition to the printed version, you will also be emailed an activation code when you buy from the official online store.

This release date is typically towards the end of a calendar year, when it will be promoted as the official release for the following year. The release date has tended to shift around a little over the last 5 years, but in many cases will be around November time.

This topic has become more and more popular in recent years with the advent of reliable smartphone navigation from companies such as Google and Apple. Smartphone navigation appear to be cheaper on the face of it. After all, you have the maps on your phone, and they will update regularly providing you have access to an Internet connection to download them.

Also, if you drive into an area where cell phone reception is poor, you could lose your navigation and end up getting lost before you get the coverage back again.

You also have a potential battery issue with your phone — what if it dies at the most inconvenient moment? Occasionally you will need to reset your GM navigation system. They can freeze up, especially with older versions of the software.

Another reason you might want to reset the system is if you have accidentally mixed your discs up and put an older version of the DVD in the disc tray than the map updates you last installed.

I had the GPS equivalent of the blue screen of death. A hard reset will uninstall all the maps currently loaded. You can then reboot the system and install the latest maps fresh — that should resolve any software problems. Now not all GMC models will be the same.

Something that I hear so often is the frustration people have in not actually knowing where the disc slot is in their Acadia. GM changed the position of the disc unit down the years, so look in those three places first.

I do this with all by DVD based software purchases, just in case I should lose an original disc.