Advice on GPS Maps
For people that do not own a GPS system it must seem like a bit of hocus pocus in some ways. This little device can tell you exactly where you are and then tell you how to get to where you want to go. In the process it can also tell you where the nearest points of interest are including restaurants, hospitals, and police stations. You hold your GPS system in your hand, press a button, and it finds where you are and tells you how to get to where you want to go.
The truth is that it is not quite as science fiction as all of that and there is a great deal of research that goes into GPS systems. Owners of GPS systems need to make sure they constantly update their GPS maps so that they can have that little bit of hocus pocus happen when they need it. Nothing is more frustrating that forgetting to update your GPS maps and then realizing, much too late, that your GPS has no idea where you are or how to get you to where you want to be.
There are a variety of ways to get the GPS maps you need and a variety of sources you can use to get your GPS maps. But the best thing you can do for yourself is to check and see if your GPS has the maps you need for where you are going before you leave the house.
So many people get frustrated with GPS technology because they expect their GPS to magically have every map in the world loaded on it and the reality is they do not. For example, many brand new GPS systems do not have GPS maps for various parts of New York City. The ability to add those maps exists and is easily accessible but it is up to the user to be proactive enough to make sure their GPS has the GPS maps they need.
The More From Your Manufacturer the Better
Always check with the manufacturer of a GPS system before buying it to see what kind of support they offer for adding GPS maps to your new GPS system. Many manufacturers leave the GPS maps to third parties and while there is nothing wrong with that it can be a little expensive and in some cases the third parties the manufacturer has chosen are not always as complete as you would like them to be.
Try and buy from manufacturers that offer complete support and have access to a full library of GPS maps.
GPS systems are just machines and they only know what people tell them. Not every GPS system comes with the GPS maps you need so always be sure to check and see if the maps you need are loaded into your GPS before you even leave the house.
