Satellite Navigation in Cars – A Comprehensive Guide

The Navigation Technology

Long gone are the days when you had to study a physical/paper map before heading out. It has been ages for sure since you asked someone to guide you to your destination. We live in an age of the digital world. Everything has digitalized and so have maps and navigation devices! Whether a short trip or a long journey, the in-car navigation system helps you drive through traffic and takes you on the best route to your destination. If you are wondering how the system works, you have come to the right place – let us dive in!

What is the Navigation System?

The navigation system, quite simple, helps you get from point A to point B. The software is what is not as simple as the definition! Embedded navigation systems are becoming more advanced as live traffic updates, voice guidance, over-the-air updates, and point-of-interest search optimize the whole driving experience using the system.

If you have a smartphone and internet connectivity, you can use the navigation system. You can connect the same on your car and use the system on the go. Newer models and variants of cars are adapting the system embedded in them these days. With technological progress, there are advancements in the navigation systems as well.

Features of the Navigation System

The below-mentioned features make the navigation systems work more effectively:

Route planning and waypoints

Planning which route to take is the basic thing a navigation system must be able to do. Generally, a navigation system gives you multiple options of routes to take to a destination depending on the fastest, easiest, and most convenient route. You can choose to avoid tolls, ferries, and highways and find shortcuts to your destination using a navigation system.

Turn-by-turn directions

Having voice assistance when using the navigation system is extremely useful. You can follow the instructions and drive without having to look at your phone or map display. Turn-by-turn directions include visual data on the screen as well as voice instructions so your attention can remain on the road and not be distracted. The same can also assist you with street names, distance to the next turn, traffic congestion, and toll roads ahead.

Offline maps

This is something rooted in the depths of the science behind the navigation system. Earlier, you needed to have an internet connection to use the navigation system. With newer advancements in technology, offline maps have come into action where you can save the route to the destination and use the map without an internet connection. This is useful for places where it is hard to get a signal and thus the internet while traveling to remote areas.

Why Bother About In-Car Navigation When You Have a Smartphone?

This is the most common question asked by many car users. They may be people who have not used the in-car navigation system but Google Maps on their phones. To begin with, the smartphones that you use rely upon network connectivity and the internet. Also, using a mobile phone while driving is a punishable offense in a country like India. The screen is also smaller when compared to a car navigation system.

As time and newer advancements take place, vehicle navigators are likely to become more intelligent than the ones on phones. They will, in the future, most likely:

• predict your next trip
• take into account your driving habits
• remember the most visited places
• analyze notifications from other drivers
• alert you about changing weather conditions, accidents, and traffic jams
• show you the surroundings and the route in 3D

Benefits of the Navigation Systems in Cars

• Time management: You will be able to better plan your journey and not be worried about being stranded without knowing the route.
• Fuel management: Depending on the type of vehicle, route chosen, and more, the navigation system can choose gas stations and petrol bunks for timely refueling and provide insights into driving habits.
• Cost efficiency: This technology can predict and warn about speed cameras, and alert about tolls. It can also pick free highways, plan routes, and make driving way too convenient.

Cars that have Inbuilt Navigation Systems

• Mahindra Thar
• Hyundai Creta
• Maruti Fronx
• Maruti Brezza
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Swift
• Mahindra XUV700
• Maruti Baleno
• Tata Harrier
• Toyota Fortuner

The Take Away!

Today, the navigation system has gone beyond just a simple innovation and advancement in terms of science. It is beyond imagination how it has become a part of the daily routine of millions of people around the world. It is one of the most used and liked features in the cars and models of cars that run the race in the industry today.