Live traffic updates on a GPS

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morgan_g

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I'm considering upgrading my GPS (I have a budget Tom Tom) and would like to find out from forum users out there who are using GPS's with live traffic updates if this is a feature worth getting.

If you reply please mention how your GPS receives its live traffic data
 
I don't have a gps with live traffic update but i can recommend the garmin nüvi 2497LMT which comes with lifetime map and traffic updates.The best part of using garmin is you can put Tracks 4 Africa in it.Traffic updates seem a nice to have but is it worth an extra R1000 from a nuvi 52LM is up to you.But it has bluetooth and a few other extras.

The traffic update are received on the unit from the garmin server which the device has an embedded sim card in which connects via the mobile network in order to contact the garmin servers.

Here are links for both of them
nüvi 2497LMT
http://www.garmin.co.za/prod_detail_latest.php?productid=461&categoryid=12&subcategoryid=11
nüvi 52LM
http://www.garmin.co.za/prod_detail_latest.php?productid=445&categoryid=12&subcategoryid=11
 
I've got a live traffic one. Garmin.

Effectiveness varies. Sometimes its really impressive (e.g. Stationary car in left lane in 2km). And sometimes its pure fail...e.g. You hit a traffic jam & then 3 minutes later the GPS tells you traffic ahead.

It also automatically routes around heavy traffic. Small time savings it asks, bigger saving (>15min I think) then it just changes the route on its own.

On the whole I'd say go for it - if you can get a lifetime deal. e.g. The one I've got has lifetime maps and traffic (Think its similar to the 1st model mocs posted) I would not pay monthly for the traffic.

Don't underestimate the other benefits of a high end unit. e.g. I went from a small garmin to a high end one. There are subtle benefits to this. e.g. Capacitative screen vs resistive. e.g. The voice prompts include street names (if you don't change the voice options). Sure it butchers the Afrikaans street names like nobody's business but it keeps your eyes on the road. It also recalculates route miles faster than my old one.

nb the traffic thing depends on how many other drivers are rolling with similar units. i.e. its a collaboration between many devices to work out when there is traffic based on avg speed. If there is nobody else then the system is blind as a bat. They do manually update it sure (e.g. fire warnings when the veld next to road is burning), but realistically you need other people too. So it works better in major metro areas.
 
I use Waze on my BlackBerry, and it's great - it shows heavy traffic, accidents, speed cameras, etc, and does its best to route me the best way.
 
Google maps/navigation on android. It's free continuously updates from Android and Waze users and seldom gets it wrong, having a separate device costing over R2000 is completely retarded IMHO... Stand alone GPS is dead unless you need one for professional or sailing.
 
If you want a local database of Road Hazards and Speed Camera Alerts for your Garmin GPS - which is updated monthly, you can load it from this website:

http://www.poieditor.co.za/Road Hazard Data Web Page.html

There are two versions available - one for WAV compatible and one for MP3 compatible Garmin units.

Click on the 'Additional Downloads' link first, for the PDF manuals and associated software needed to compile these alerts, and to then install them on your Garmin GPS.

The alerts have voice prompts to warn you of any hazards, speed cameras and even approaching toll gate costs.

This link has the latest database downloads for Sept 2013:

http://www.gps-users-forum.co.za/download-page-for-road-hazard-data/
 
I have set all my hazard and toll gate alerts to DISTANCE (600m) and left all my SPEED ALERTS at the default settings when compiling my alerts, but you can customise them as needed if you prefer, e.g. - set your speed alerts to 5% above the posted limits (126 km/h for a 120 km/h zone).
 
I have a Tom Tom Via Live, with HD Traffic. Wont be renewing Live services next month, a waste or R800+ as the traffic is wrong sometimes (says no traffic and you sitting in bumper traffic on a major highway). It also says you are on quickest route, then I change as I know another doesnt have traffic and as soon as it recalcs, it says new route is 10mins faster (when just before I ask it to recalculate for a quicker route).

So to sum up, not worth it. Well, for Tom Tom. Even their tech support fixes didnt help. Will be using Waze once live services expire.
 
ScottulusMaximus said:
Google maps/navigation on android. It's free continuously updates from Android and Waze users and seldom gets it wrong, having a separate device costing over R2000 is completely retarded IMHO... Stand alone GPS is dead unless you need one for professional or sailing.
Click to expand...
I got lost the other day whilst driving somewhere. Pulled over, downloaded Google maps & put the phone on the seat next to me & got voice-guided navigation to my destination. Was just a cool experience being able to do that in the middle of nowhere.
 
Given that most of the Garmin and TomTom GPS devices are all but matched by free Smartphone-based apps such as Waze and almost-there-Google Maps, why waste cash on a dedicated Nav system?
 
lcbxx said:
Given that most of the Garmin and TomTom GPS devices are all but matched by free Smartphone-based apps such as Waze and almost-there-Google Maps, why waste cash on a dedicated Nav system?
Click to expand...

Built in maps and POI (no data plan/sim required, and no cellphone signal required)
Leaves phone free to call and text on (eek....whilst driving)
Would rather they smash and grab my cheap ass tomtom than my phone
Navigation device can double as bluetooth hands free kit
 
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