Travel Advice - Alternatives to Maps: Mapping and routing on handheld devices using GPS    (PNDs and cellular-based navigation services)

Many people have a hard time using maps to navigate between places and might benefit from using new technology to solving this age-old problem. In this article, we examine  handheld-devices that provide useful mapping and routing capabilities.

Our conclusion is that the mapping and routing capabilities of Personal Navigation Devices are worth their expense, although many of the bargain brands just don't cut it.  Navigation systems that work over cell phones also provides useful support.  Below, we review the various technologies and provide recommendations that might help you understand the variety of alternative available.

Dedicated  Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs).

A number of companies ( Garmin, TomTom, Mio and others) provide dedicated handheld devices called Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs) that provide solid  routing and navigation functionality. 

• Ranging from $200 to $1200 these systems integrate a GPS receiver, high quality display, storage capability, and an  input system to provide a fully functioning navigation device.
• These autonomous devices generally perform well, but some older units suffer from the problems  regarding the limitation in the geographical area  or spatial detail that can be loaded for use (due to memory restrictions).
• Most units can be mounted in your car and are quite effective for navigation.  We prefer devices featuring voice functionality so that the maneuvers you need to take to stay on route are "announced" , letting you pay attention to the road and not the small screen.  Take our word for it, voice -assisted navigation is a must and worth every penny.
• Several manufacturers have  introduced a feature that allows Bluetooth-enabled phones to query traffic data and communicate this information to the base navigation device.
• Software, storage technology and the memory capabilities of PNDs are quite good and make these hand-held GPS units a pleasure to use.  Also, the competitive nature of the market means that you can now purchase units with rich features for a very reasonable price.
• Most PND providers also offer databases for traveling in foreign countries, allowing you to use your PND during travel abroad.

Navigation over cell phones

Cell phones that are Internet-capable can connect to Web mapping and routing services that have been specifically designed for use and display on cell phones.

• The functionality is very similar to using an online service with your PC.  If your cell phone is GPS equipped, then the software used by the phone will always know your location.  All you have to do is to tell it where you want go!

In order to use routing on your cell phone, the company providing your cellular service must provide access to a “wireless routing” site. You must have an Internet-capable phone equipped with a GPS receiver and sign-up for the carrier's navigation package.

Several limitations may influence your satisfaction with  the utility of mapping and routing on cell phones.

• First, the small screen makes examining the map presentation difficult.  Larger screens and more sophisticated web browsers are making these displays more useable, but some size-related limitations remain.
• Second, unless you have a GPS assisted phone, you will have to tell the system where you are by typing in an address on the phone keypad. Entering address information by using a  cell phone keyboard is laborious and error prone.
• Third, the service will work only when there is a signal to connect your phone to the cellular carrier’s network.
  • If your experience with “dropped calls” is high, you may want to avoid using these types of services.
• Finally, be sure you understand the cost of the service and any limitations that may apply (e.g. limits on your data-plan  or restrictions on geographical area usage).

Cell phone-based routing is a very handy service. Current products offered by Verizon Wireless, Sprint and others are very polished and deserve your consideration.  Advances in cell phone technology and the migration to more powerful networks are providing these phones with extremely useful mapping and routing applications.

Although many cellular carries have roaming agreements in foreign countries, your routing service provider may not enable routing outside of the your home country.  In addition, the data rates for such "foreign" service might be excessive.

Palm and Pocket PC’s.  (Unless you like to tinker, avoid this category of GPS devices)

Numerous companies have created detailed mapping and routing software for the Personal Digital Assistant class of devices.  Unfortunately, most of these systems are kluges that require you to "bolt-on" a GPS reciever and go through contortions to make the unit work.  Even if you  already have a Pocket PC, we think you would be better off throwing in the towel and buying a PND for your navigation needs!  

If you have difficulty navigating to different places while on the road, we present two additional articles on alternatives to maps. One article describes navigation systems provided by rental car companies ( In-car navigation systems ). A second article  describes Web sites that provide online mapping and routing services ( online mapping and routing ).

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