Are you interested in learning more about navigation systems for cars? If so, in this article we´re going to go over what navigation systems for cars really are, some of their most helpful features, a little history about navigation systems, and the best navigation systems for cars in the market right now. That means that after you finished reading this article you will learn over what they are and the best features you need to look on them, the history involve in their creation, and the best 5 portable navigation systems for cars, with some of their features explained.
First of all, let´s go over a brief overview on what navigation systems for cars are, and some of their features. they are also known as automotive navigation systems, are satellite navigation systems designed for use in automobiles. They typically use a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit´s map database. Using the road database, the navigation unit can give direction to other locations along roads also in its database. Dead reckoning using distance data from sensors attached to the drivetrain, a gyroscope and an accelerometer can be used for greater reliability as GPS signal loss and/or multipath can occur due to urban canyons or tunnels.
Now that we already know what they are, and some of their features, let´s learn a little about their history.
Navigation systems for cars where subject of extensive experimentation, including some efforts to reach mass markets prior to the availability of commercial GPS.
Alpine claims to have created the first navigation system back in 1981. However, according to Alpine´s historical timeline, they co-developed an analog automotive navigation product called the Electro Gyrocator, working with Honda. Honda claims to have created the first navigation system starting in 1983, and culminating with general availability in the 1990´s Acura Legend. The original Electro Gyrocator system used an accelerometer to navigate using inertial navigation, as GPS system was not yet generally available.
In 1990 Mitsubishi Electric and Pioneer claim to be the first with a GPS based navigation system. Also in 1990, a draft patent application was filed within Dogotal Equipment Co. Ltd. for a multi function device called PageLink that had real time maps for use in a car listed as one of its features.
Finally in 1995, Oldsmobile introduced their first GPS navigation system available in a car production, called GuideStar. However it was not until 2000 that United States made a more accurate GPS signal available for civilian use.
Now that we know what navigation systems for cars are, and that we talk a little about their creation, we can talk about which are the best navigation systems out there.
If you do some research you will find out that today´s best navigation systems for cars are the portable ones, or portable navigation devices, because of their features and flexibility. They got features like audible driving directions with text-to-speech (TTS), spoken street names, real time traffic updates, internet connectivity for points of interest search, and a large easy to read screen just to name a few.
- Garmin Nuvi 3790T – The Nuvi 3790T is at the top of the list, with just the right blend of form and function, design to be the thinniest and lightest portable navigation device ever and completely compatible with the IPhone. The voice command is truly hands free and can be activated just by speaking to the Nuvi.
- Motorola MotoNav TN765t – The MotoNav TN765t has a robust feature set that is on par with that of more established brands and beautiful interface that make´s it in many ways superior. Some features include Bluetooth hands free calling, with address books sync and voice dial, text-to-speech, and free FM traffic reception.
- TomTom XL 340 S – The XL 340 S introduces a few advanced features to TomTom´s midrange lineup, while staying well below the premium price bracket. some features such as Lange guidance, downloadable fuel prices, and user updated maps from TomTom Map share makes it the real deal.
- Magellan RoadMate 1470 – The Magellan RoadMate matches the competition´s performance and ease of use, while providing a larger screen (4.7 inch touch screen) at a lower price. It has great features like OneTouch menu, the smarty designed confirmation screen that gives users a good deal of flexibility as to how they get where they´re going.
- Garmin Nuvi 205W – As you can see the Garmin Nuvi is still one of the best choices available, this time with the Garmin Nuvi 205W, ideal for users who want speed and performance without breaking the bank. Features like a large touch screen, and an easy to understand interface makes it a best buy. Start up, destination entry, and trip routing/rerouting times are slightly faster than competition.
Navigation Systems For Cars Conclusion:
Navigation systems are satellite navigation systems designed for use in automobiles. In this article we studied what are navigation systems for cars, we also talk about a little history involve in their creation, and finally we discussed which are the best portable navigation systems for cars available and their features. Please remember however that just by checking out this article you’re not going to instantly become a master in navigation systems. If you really want to learn more about them i recommend you to read all of my other articles.
