Part of the Reason why the Nav Systems Sucks
08-14-2010, 03:11 PM
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Part of the Reason why the Nav Systems Sucks
This thread was posted here several days ago with lots of posts: https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ks-so-bad.html
It got me wondering why there are lots of complaints and why those complaints weren't just limited to one auto manufacturer (although the consensus is that Japanese manufacturers have better systems that are more ergonomic, etc..) http://www.gearlog.com/2008/11/why_d...tion_syste.php
I emailed MBUSA and asked why some POIs aren't listed, etc.. I finally got a reply late yesterday. MB has nothing to do with the data on the nav system (although they really should be ultimately responsible since even though it's contracted out, it's still their "product.")
All POIs and data is provide by this company: http://corporate.navteq.com/company.htm
It doesn't matter if you update your system because you think it's not working because of lack of POIs, etc.. All MB and the dealer will do is load up NAVTEQ's data again (with new data if your system is older.) There's no "fix" by the dealer or MB for missing or bad POIs.
Apparently getting your business to be listed as a POI with NAVTEQ can be hit or miss. http://blog.expertgps.com/blog/2009/...poi-databases/
If you find that your system is missing POIs, then you can inform NAVTEQ and apparently they will attempt to correct it on their next updating: http://www.autonavigationgps.com/wha...-map-is-wrong/
NAVTEQ changes the data constantly which is why some MB cars have different POI info.
The down side is that NAVTEQ is a for profit company and the dealers charge for updates. I think if you buy a new MB, then you should get free updates for life, or at least the 4 years the car's under factory warranty. MBUSA says NAVTEQ is a contract company and MB is just a client. Whatever.
This issue isn't limited to MB. BMW has been having big complaints, too. NAVTEQ is also the provider for BMW.
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/0...drivers-wrong/
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=462324
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...ion-sucks.html
But then again, they all suck apparently.
http://www.lexusoverride.com/navigationrebate.php
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2...beware-10.html
http://www.toyotaoverride.com/comments.php
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2754127
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...v-sucks-46394/
There are only two providers in the world for all GPS systems: NAVTEQ (a Nokia company) and Tele Atlas (a Dutch company.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navteq
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tele_Atlas
Anyway, it's all relative. And the actual missing data and POI issue is NAVTEQ's problem. But the bottom line is that doesn't let MB off the hook. All manufacturers should be more concerned about providing the best systems they can, now that nav is something we all consider standard fare these days.
It got me wondering why there are lots of complaints and why those complaints weren't just limited to one auto manufacturer (although the consensus is that Japanese manufacturers have better systems that are more ergonomic, etc..) http://www.gearlog.com/2008/11/why_d...tion_syste.php
I emailed MBUSA and asked why some POIs aren't listed, etc.. I finally got a reply late yesterday. MB has nothing to do with the data on the nav system (although they really should be ultimately responsible since even though it's contracted out, it's still their "product.")
All POIs and data is provide by this company: http://corporate.navteq.com/company.htm
It doesn't matter if you update your system because you think it's not working because of lack of POIs, etc.. All MB and the dealer will do is load up NAVTEQ's data again (with new data if your system is older.) There's no "fix" by the dealer or MB for missing or bad POIs.
Apparently getting your business to be listed as a POI with NAVTEQ can be hit or miss. http://blog.expertgps.com/blog/2009/...poi-databases/
If you find that your system is missing POIs, then you can inform NAVTEQ and apparently they will attempt to correct it on their next updating: http://www.autonavigationgps.com/wha...-map-is-wrong/
NAVTEQ changes the data constantly which is why some MB cars have different POI info.
The down side is that NAVTEQ is a for profit company and the dealers charge for updates. I think if you buy a new MB, then you should get free updates for life, or at least the 4 years the car's under factory warranty. MBUSA says NAVTEQ is a contract company and MB is just a client. Whatever.
This issue isn't limited to MB. BMW has been having big complaints, too. NAVTEQ is also the provider for BMW.
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/0...drivers-wrong/
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=462324
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...ion-sucks.html
But then again, they all suck apparently.
http://www.lexusoverride.com/navigationrebate.php
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2...beware-10.html
http://www.toyotaoverride.com/comments.php
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2754127
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...v-sucks-46394/
There are only two providers in the world for all GPS systems: NAVTEQ (a Nokia company) and Tele Atlas (a Dutch company.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navteq
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tele_Atlas
Anyway, it's all relative. And the actual missing data and POI issue is NAVTEQ's problem. But the bottom line is that doesn't let MB off the hook. All manufacturers should be more concerned about providing the best systems they can, now that nav is something we all consider standard fare these days.
