Where to Get Free Garmin Map Updates

Authentic and reliable free Garmin map updates are available directly from Garmin as part of their nuMaps Guarantee program.  As a customer you will need to fulfil some criteria in order to qualify for your new map upgrade, but once you have done that actually putting the map refresh on your Nuvi is really simple.

The criteria are based upon how long you have owned the device for.  Currently Garmin are only offering free downloads to customers that are within the first three months or ninety days of ownership – so if that sounds like you, make sure you go and register your product with them now before it is too late.

How to Update Your Garmin Nuvi GPS

Installing your Garmin map update is really easy and if you want to know how to update Garmin Nuvi then follow these directions.  All you need to do is find the mapping section on the Garmin website – this is usually accessible via the top navigation on the website – and then choose the nuMaps Guarantee option.

Once you have selected this choice you will need to register the Nuvi GPS with your details and enter in the serial number of the product.  The serial number can be found on the back of the GPS device.  Once all these checks have been passed you will be lead through an easy map install process, providing that your Nuvi is connected to your PC or Mac with a Garmin USB cable.

The whole install process to get your free Garmin map usually takes no longer than thirty minutes so as soon as you are done you can jump back in your car and get to your next destination with ease.  If you struggle to do this properly, then you will find the Garmin support is very good – you can either read online FAQs, or contact their multi-lingual support centers for additional help.

Why Use Official Garmin Map Updates?

There is no point installing un-official map updates because they may not be entirely accurate and you could run this risk of invalidating any warranty that came with the GPS product.  Garmin maps are known to be very reliable and millions of car and truck journeys rely on them every day – they also supply GPS solutions for the marine and aviation sectors where mistakes can be fatal.  As a result, the company is one of the most trusted GPS brands on the planet today and they are the best-selling manufacturer in the industry.

About the Author: Bob Simmons writes about cars, GPS, satellite navigation, and much more.  If you would like to find out more about the services Bob offers for drivers then please visit his website on the following link – which gives more information about Free Garmin Map Updates:

• www.gpsnavigationdvd.net/free-garmin-map-updates

There’s nothing better than driving on the open road, but that feeling can quick turn to frustration if you find that your GPS has sent you down the wrong route or not managed to find the location you were aiming to arrive at.  Many drivers experience out of date maps on their GPS but can easily update the maps by downloading from the manufacturer websites such as Garmin and TomTom… but what happens if you have an in-built factory-installed GPS in your car that needs updating?  This is a problem that can occur with Honda Civic cars that come with the Honda Navigation System.

If you are a Civic owner, don’t despair, because whilst you can download Honda map updates you can instead install new software via a DVD-set.  Read on to find out how you do it, the benefits to doing so, and why you should update your Honda Navigation System with the new 2012 DVD.

Updating Your Civic’s GPS with the Honda Navigation DVD

On the dashboard of your Honda Civic you should find a disc drive for inserting new map update DVDs.  If you don’t see the drive on your dash, then it could be located in the glove box or under the passenger seat.  Older models and generations of the Honda Civic tend to have it hidden away – if you can’t find it consult your car’s user manual.  But how do you get the new disc set?

You will need to visit the official Honda website and on there you will find a link to updating your maps.  This will take you to the website of Navteq (the company that supplies maps to all the GPS manufacturers) who host a dedicated Honda Navigation Store.  Once on this website you can select your Honda model, which will be Civic, and then the year that your car was manufactured.

Buy the New Honda Navigation DVD Online

This will then return a list of all the Honda Navigation DVDs which is compatible with your car.  For example, drivers based in the United States will need to select the 2012 North American Honda Navigation DVD – and then click to add to their shopping cart.  Prices tend to start around the $150 US Dollar mark, which might sound quite expensive, but when compared to buying a new GPS is actually a competitive price.  Once you have purchased the new disc it will take about 7 working days to arrive.

Installing Honda Navigation System Updates to Your Civic

So your new Honda Navigation DVD has arrived… what next?  It’s pretty simple.  All you do is eject the existing DVD from the disc drive that you found earlier and then insert the new 2012 DVD.  The GPS display should automatically kick-in and will flash up the text “INSTALL NEW MAP UPDATES”.  Select “YES” and the install process should begin – but it will ask you to insert your unique Navteq customer identification number.  This can be found on the Honda DVD packaging so make sure that you don’t lose this sheet of paper.

The whole install process can take anything up to forty five minutes, especially on older versions of the Honda Civic.  The key to success is to not turn the GPS navigation system off during the install as this has been known to corrupt the software meaning you will need to start all over again – or in more extreme cases seek support from your local Honda dealer in order to resolve the problem.  Once the map updates have installed the word “SUCCESS” appears on the GPS display and you’re ready to drive again with renewed confidence.

Why Update Your Honda Civic GPS?

It might seem like a lot of money, but research shows that drivers using a modern GPS device with up to date maps and real-time traffic alerts will actually save money in the long-term.  This is because they spend less time behind the wheel driving, or in traffic jams.  As a result, fuel bills are reduced, plus it is even possible to reduce the carbon footprint of your driving lifestyle.  For more information on this research do a Google search for Navteq and Nokia’s German study on driving habits from 2009.

About the Author:

Tina Warburton regularly contributes to automotive and motoring blogs and has a passion for driving and the environment.  If you would like to update the maps on your Honda Civic’s factory-installed GPS then please visit the Honda GPS Navigation DVD store which lists all major manufacturers including Acura, Honda, Chrysler, Infiniti, Ford, and Nissan – plus Garmin if you own a standalone product rather than an in-dash model.

With more and more people now using their Smartphones to provide them with a GPS solution over an actual physical standalone device, it wasn’t going to be too long until both powerhouse manufacturers got into the game and started trying to get a slice of this ever popular market. Admittedly it took Garmin a little bit longer than TomTom to release their own iPhone App for GPS navigation, with their product only appearing over the last couple of years – but now both have been in the market for a while I thought that it was time to do a quick comparison to figure out which one is best and comes out on top.

Before you go any further though, my top-line assessment is that the Garmin iPhone App (which goes by the name of Garmin StreetPilot) is the one which has the best value for money. Read on for why I believe this – which I hope will help you make the right choice if you are considering an App to help you navigate with your iPhone.

Which Has the Better User-Interface?

I much prefer the Garmin interface over the TomTom one. The icons appear to be much clearer and chunkier – plus they very closely mimic what you get if you are familiar with using a Garmin Nuvi device. Considering the Nuvi is the best-selling GPS on the planet this will probably be a serious consideration for many iPhone users who are used to navigating with a Garmin GPS product.

How Voice Directions Compare?

The Garmin wins out over the TomTom App in this instance too. The voice directions coming out of the Garmin StreetPilot seem to be a lot clearer and sound more human, rather than the tinny and computerized sounding TomTom voice files. What I also like about the Garmin iPhone App is that it also offers audible warnings when you are driving over the speed limits – very much like the physical Nuvi devices do. In addition to that the Garmin App will reduce the volume of your iPhone music’s when speaking directions, rather than cutting out the audio like the TomTom version does.

Free Traffic Alerts on Garmin GPS iPhone App

When it comes to GPS navigation one of the most valuable assets a driver can have is fore-warning of any traffic jams or potential congestion. If you decide to buy the Garmin App over the TomTom version you will benefit from getting free traffic alerts built-in to the software. On the other hand, TomTom have made their HD Traffic technology a paid for add-on – which comes with a $19.99 annual charge which is quite high for iPhone App charges when compared to other downloads.

TomTom Traffic Alerts Tend to be More Reliable on iPhone

Having said that, you do get what you pay for and independent tests that I have seen conducted on Youtube by other GPS reviewers seems to show that the TomTom traffic can be a little bit more reliable on the iPhone – so this is something you need to weigh up when making your download purchase.

Conclusion and Price Comparison on the iTunes Store

Both GPS apps are available to purchase on the Apple iTunes store. The Garmin StreetPilot App costs ten dollars more than the TomTom version. You can buy Garmin for $59.99 and TomTom for only $49.99. If it was me I would go for the Garmin product, but then I have always used Garmin devices so will tend to lean more naturally towards a user-interface and manufacturer that I am familiar with.

Generally though, both iPhone GPS apps are very similar to each other, with only small differences which I have highlighted above. The biggest differentiator will probably come down to the price variance plus the additional charges incurred should you want to add traffic capability onto the TomTom version.

If you are thinking about purchasing one of these apps though, I would highly recommend that you first check another supplier on the market. Navigon are a German company who produce the MobileNavigator iPhone App. This software seems to rate higher with online reviewers than both Garmin and TomTom so don’t feel that you need to go with one of the large and better known brands. It’s definitely worth shopping around before you buy.

About the Author: Mike Smalley is a GPS enthusiast who runs the popular www.gpsnavigationdvd.net website with other GPS experts. Recently he published an article relating to the savings a Ford driver can make if they install and use the latest 2012 Ford Navigation DVD. It’s possible for you to save on gas bills and your carbon footprint due to recent research conducted by the Navteq Company.

And while a purpose-built GPS unit can handle the weather, your iPhone is neither rugged nor water resistant off the shelf. So if you plan on having your iPhone with you for any serious amount of hiking, get a water resistant case that can take a beating. We like the Lifeproof ($80) case though we’re eagerly awaiting the debut of the solar powered Snow Lizard case (price and release date unknown but they are taking preorders for a $100 deposit).

Your iPhone can even help you capture great scenic pictures when you get to the top!

6 Hiking Apps We Like For the iPhone

The apps that are intended for outdoor use, like the excellent iHikeGPS, will still display a map even when the cell phone signal drops out. They do recommend carrying a paper map and compass as a backup though. iHikeGPS can show you the elevation profile of a route you’ve just hiked or want to try, collect information on speed and progress, and give you an expected arrival time just like the GPS in a car. It’s good for planning days out as well as using on the hills, and you can also share routes with friends.

Having first aid information at your fingertips can be very useful in the backwoods, and there is no shortage of good apps that will let you find what you need fast. GotoAID is one option (there is a free lite version) or there is the entirely free St John Ambulance app, which covers all kinds of minor injuries and includes information on outdoor hypothermia, heatstroke, and drowning.

The Flashlight app is another helpful freebie. It’s not intended to replace a regular torch or headtorch- another item that should be in every backpack- but it can come in very handy around the campsite.

In fact, Gary (the editor of this site) likes to tell the story of using his old iPod Nano as a flashlight as he got lost on a trail while camping and it was the only light source he had – don’t ask me why he left his flashlight at the campsite but that’s what he did. In a pinch, an iPhone flashlight can be a real life saver when the other option is no light at all and the camera’s LED flash is actually pretty bright.

As ever hiker knows, it’s not just about going the distance but about having a good time and seeing the sights along the way. For anyone who has ever stood on a high lookout and tried to figure out which mountains they could see in the distance, there’s Point de Vue. The format will familiar to users of astronomy apps- point the phone at the horizon and it’ll display the names of the peaks in front of you.

Tap a mountain and you’ll see the height and distance from your current location. There is also an option to click through to a Google map. The downside is that the peak view information does have to be downloaded in advance so do this before you leave the house.

Apps can also help you learn more about the environment you’re passing through. Take birds for example. Audubon Birds can help you figure out what an unfamiliar bird is and will also let you record your sightings. There are plenty of others that will do the same (and for less than $19.95) but what really sets this app apart is the eBirds system, which is designed to help users find rare birds that have been seen in recently in their area.

One more note of caution to finish: just make sure you don’t use up all your battery having fun with Audubon Birds and Point de Vue. Leave enough that you’ll be able to make an emergency call if necessary, even towards the end of your hike unless you plan on taking one of those creepy iPhone chargers you breathe into with you.

Jess Spate is a long-distance hiker and a rock climber. She writes for Appalachian Outdoors, a Pennsylvania-based online outdoor store.

Question:

I’m trying to find out if the GPS on a smatphone is the same thing you would find on a stand-alone handheld GPS and if not what are the differences? Which smartphone has the most powerful GPS? Will the smartphone GPS work in a commercial airplane?

Thanks, Douglas

Answer:

Douglas,

The smartphone in a GPS technically is a little different as smartphones use aGPS chips (assisted GPS) while a standalone doesn’t.  aGPS tends to be a little better but for all intents and purposes, the end result to the user is the same.

The best way to prevent your GPS from being stolen is to take it with you when you leave your car. However, this may not be practical for everyone as it can be a real hassle to try to remember to put the GPS back in the car every day and your GPS may be too heavy to carry around comfortably.

The second best thing you can do is to stop using a windshield suction-cup mount. An alternative mount is the friction mount, which attaches to the dashboard instead of the windshield. A friction mount is easier to detach than a suction-cup mount, it doesn’t leave any tell-tale marks for thieves to detect and it’s easy to hide underneath a seat. Always make sure to remove the mount when you leave your car. If you’re stuck using a windshield suction-cup mount, there are still ways you can protect your GPS device. Every time you exit your car, remove the suction-cup mount and wipe the windshield to remove the smudge left behind.

Make sure to write down the serial number and make of your GPS. Also, register your GPS with the manufacturer. If your GPS does get stolen despite your best efforts and the cops manage to recover it, you then have proof that you own the device. There’s also a hope that the thief will send the device to the manufacturer at some point to have it repaired and the manufacturer will be able to return it to you, but the odds of that happening are low.

Many GPS devices come with a lock or a password feature. Utilize this feature – it may not help prevent your GPS from being stolen and it can be easily cracked within a few days, but why not make it as difficult as possible for would-be thieves?

About the Author

Trevor Stuart is from the website Complete Insurance. They provide car insurance in Calgary and other Canadian cities.

Specialized GPS devices designed specifically for truckers can make your life on the road a whole lot easier.

A reliable GPS device is vital for folks whose job it is to be on the road day and night.  Truckers need to ensure the road/highway data they have is accurate which allows them to take the most efficient routes, saving them time and ultimately money via less money spent on gas and being able to make more trips.  In order to ensure they’re taking the shortest and safest route they need to know things like:

• What are the weight, height, and load restrictions?  Important if the route contains bridges or tunnels.
• What are the lane widths, and can the route accommodate wide loads?
• Where are the nearest travel centers, and what do they have?
• Does the route require U-Turns?  These can be difficult depending on the size of the truck.
• Where are the closest weigh stations?
• Does the route allow for transportation of hazardous materials?

One of the first things that should be determined before the hunt for the perfect truck GPS begins is a clear understanding of what is needed.  Is it a single GPS device for one truck, or are you looking for a total fleet tracking management solution?  There are different solutions based on what you’re looking for.

Individual PND’s (Portable Navigation Devices)

In the event you’re looking for a single GPS device, Rand McNally offers their IntelliRoute® line of GPS devices that are made specifically for truckers.  You can enter in all the weight/height/load/hazmat info of your truck before heading out and these devices will tell you the best route to take based on the entered info.  The TND 700 model claims to have 35% more truck routing information than other GPS units, which sounds good, although I’m not exactly sure what that means.  If you’re only looking for a basic routing functionality, the TND 500 will work just fine, but if you’re looking for calendar functionality with a larger (7” compared to 5”)  HD screen and a stylus, then the TND 700 is the way to go.

Garmin also offers two unique lines of GPS devices for truckers: dezl™ (higher end, more expensive starting at $470) and nüvi® (more affordable, starting at $349.00).  Garmin has always had great routing functionality, which is arguably the most important feature on any trucker’s GPS device.  One of the downsides of these Garmin lines is that they don’t offer a 7” display option like Rand McNally, so if screen size is important to you this is one thing to keep in mind.

PC Miler is the other popular line of trucking GPS devices that should be mentioned in the same class as Rand McNally and Garmin, although it appears to be a step down from the others.  PC Miler does offer a 7” screen although some of that screen is taken up by elements that other GPS devices simply overlay on the map, so it’s not a great use of screen space.  I’ve also read some complaints about poor routing which could be a deal breaker.

Fleet Management Solutions

In the event you’re looking for GPS devices and/or software for a whole fleet then Telogis is worth mentioning.  They offer a robust fleet management platform.

It’s also worth noting that both Garmin and Rand McNally have fleet solutions.  Rand McNally has their TruckPC powered by DriverTech which is a Windows based platform, while Garmin offers both a PND based mobile resource management (MRM) and a handset MRM solution.
Jill Hanson is a contributing writer for TruckertoTrucker.com, a site devoted to the trucking industry which offers a variety of products including dump truck and flatbed trailer sales.

The “portable navigation market”, as it is called, must also compete against the latest and greatest GPS-enabled features on a variety of smart-phones, where applications are numerous and exist for most any task imaginable. But, if you are not interested in obtaining the latest “EUR USD” quotes from a list of forex brokers or the best price for a flat-screen TV at a local merchant, then perhaps the latest portable navigation device, or “PND”, will suit your needs just fine.

Going from “Point A” to “Point B” never got easier with the following “Top Five” of the best PND’s on the market. Interfaces provide up-to-date maps and audible driving instructions, coupled with data feeds for traffic reports and Internet connectivity for local searches. Price ranges delineate quality and feature sets, but each of the five listed below will get you where you need to be with minimum effort and reliability that may cause you to discard your roadmaps forever. Here is a brief summary of each, ranked in order by their overall rating for design, features, and performance:

• Garmin Nuvi 3790T: Price Range = $335-$400; this model is the “Cadillac” of the industry with the best assortment of features and design. Thin and light, but the only negative is that the glossy screen tends to create a bit of glare;

• MotoNav TN765t: Price Range = $135-$150; Motorola has produced a PND that is on par with the best available, and some believe its interface is unequaled. The negative is that its data service is often down, requiring manual intervention, and skyscrapers can cause signal problems;

• TomTom XL 340 S: Price Range = $105-$140; The TomTom is also popular because of its price point and advanced feature set, but the “knock” on it is its larger size and the fact that routing is quicker while standing still than moving;

• Magellan RoadMate 1470: Price Range $90-$170; this model’s touch screen is larger and more flexible than most, but the cradle is improperly designed and obstructs the power cable when mounted;

• Garmin Nuvi 205W: Price Range = $110-$170; This PND is the industry-standard’s entry-level product, designed for a more discerning budget. The feature set is limited, and the cradle is bulky.

Destination planning just got easier, but as city users realize, roadwork projects tend to mess with a PND’s “brain-cells”. Maybe I should keep my trusty maps after all.

While the real mccoy isn’t quite as cool, a Japanese  company has managed to turn regular old glasses into a gps navigation device.  The selling point they’re offering is “safe navigation.”  It allows you to keep your eyes on the road and on traffic and pedestrians rather than looking at the little map on your gps device to tell you where to go.

Here’s the video if you’d like to learn more – not sure about a release date or if they’ll ever see the light of day but I think they’re a pretty cool idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LC5OMAW-xI

Learn all about it here – and here’s a video to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdcJVuylmsM