Reasons Why Even A Cheap Satnav Beats A Map For Drivers
Even a cheap satnav system is better than a map for the average driver. There are many reasons for this but I will list just a few of them here. While a top end GPS system can provide much more up-to-date information than a cheap satnav, even the most basic unit adds features which make it much more user-friendly than classic methods.
Firstly, even a cheap satnav is liable to be more-to-date or current than an established paper map. This is especially useful when driving in urban areas where redevelopment has taken place in recent years. Not only do roads appear and cease to exist in urban areas, the rules of traffic – which roads are pedestrianised, which are one-way only, and which have other restrictions placed upon them – will change over time, often rendering a printed map obsolete and useless.
Next, a satellite navigation unit will give an prompt to navigate the driver. While this is an obvious boon to the solo traveller, there are also advantages for those travelling with company. It is all very well having someone sat in the passenger seat reading directions to you, but they will be human and humans are fallible. Not everyone is an experienced map reader, and mistakes can easily be made. It is also hard for a human to see some road signs in the dark, leading to confusion and quite possibly arguments between the driver and his navigator. Simply for the sake of matrimonial harmony, a cheap satnav system can be absolutely worth a king’s ransom.
Thirdly, a cheap satnav system will be able to find and warn of traffic speed cameras, roadworks, and any congestion on the chosen route. It will also be able to select the optimum alternative route if any problems occur during the journey. No more driving down unmarked tracks simply because they appear to be heading in the correct general direction of travel. In the event the driver does make a mistake and drive down the wrong road or street, the satnav system will guide him back to the correct route as soon as possible. None of these features could possibly be implemented with the time-honored map.Lastly, a satellite navigation system will be able to compute various data on the journey as the trip takes place. Information which it can provide includes the time taken on the journey, the expected time of arrival (which may be urgent), the mileage already covered and in some cases the cost of the journey in fuel. While many users may not regard any of these features are as critical as finding the correct destination, they can all be useful from time to time.
Finally, there is one area where even a cheap satnav system has the edge over the established paper map. Not only does a satnav not unfold to the size of a bed sheet, leading to obscure vision while driving, I am not aware of any case of the satnav being blown out of the car when driving down a motorway!
George Maxwell is a technology user and enthusiast, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with others who may be nervous of technology or struggle to see the advantages of keeping up to date.
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