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What Makes The Perfect Satellite Navigation System?

Satellite navigation system manufacturers release new editions of systems every few months. Cynics say that this is just a way to make more money. We don't believe that is true. We believe it is the path manufacturers are taking in pursuit of the perfect sat nav system. So what are the components of the perfect sat nav system?

A Large Screen

A bigger screen allows for more detail to be displayed. There's a trade-off between size and price. A large screen inevitably costs more which is why entry level systems have a small screen. A 4.3 inch screen (a typical widescreen size) is adequate.

A Carry Case In The Box

You've just bought a shiny new system only to find that the manufacturer hasn't thought about what you'll need once you've bought it. A carry case should be included and it should have room for the required accessories such as the screen mount and the car charger. Furthermore, we believe there is scope to integrate this into the packaging, thus reducing wasteful padding. It goes without saying that the case needs to be sturdy and padded!

Perfect Mapping

Unfortunately, 100% accurate and up-to-date mapping will never be a reality though it is certainly an aspiration. According to TomTom, "on average, 15% of roads change every year". Given Britain's infrastructure, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a database with 100% accuracy.

The ability for users to submit map changes is welcomed, so long as these are quickly verified. There's no point in reporting map changes that go un-noticed for a long period of time.

Lane Management

TomTom's x30 range of systems come with 'lane management' which is supposed to advise you of which lane you need to be in at particular junctions. This is a nice idea as it could help minimise frustration and distraction.

Roadwork Management

The Highways Agency produces a list of scheduled roadworks. It would be great if data supplied by the Highways Agency, Traffic Wales, Traffic Scotland and Traffic Watch NI could be integrated with both the mapping and the lane management facility. So, when you're stuck in congestion, the system can warn you in advance that you'll need to be in lanes 2 and 3 as lane 1 is closed.

A Comprehensive Point Of Interest (POI) Database

This will suffer the same problems as 'Perfect Mapping' but nevertheless, this is a list of desires rather than solutions.

A comprehensive list of landmarks, transportation terminals (ferry ports, bus stations train stations, etc.), hotels, shops, restaurants/takeaways, supermarkets and petrol stations should be included as a standard feature. A bare list is not that helpful, neither is a list that focuses specifically on the South East of England forgetting that the UK also technically includes Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland!

Scenic Trails

Satellite navigation systems assume you know where you are going. You have to tell it a postcode or a place on a map, and it navigates you there. All good and well but what happens if you've never been to the destination before? It would be nice if towns and cities have a 'Scenic Trail' option that would take you on a relatively short but scenic route, perhaps past lakes or attractions, with the opportunity to stop and explore the area on foot.

Easy To Use Software

It is easier to learn how to use software if it is simple to install and simple to use. It would be nice to plug in the system to the computer and on the click of a button, it updates itself. Magic.

Free Lifetime Map & Speed Camera Updates

These are generally viewed as value added extras and are hence charged for by manufacturers. Map updates are more or less monopolistic in the sense that you have to buy map updates from the manufacturer if you want to update your maps.

Speed camera updates are more widely available for the major manufacturers and dedicated communities have been set up for people to report new cameras.

It would be nice, however, if the manufacturers supplied free lifetime map and speed camera updates. Again, this is a list of desirable features and this almost certainly would never happen.