Automotive Navigation System - Working, Features & Pros and Cons

A driver can use a navigation system to find a specific location and determine the best route while driving a vehicle. Furthermore, to determine the vehicle's present position in relation to the target location, the majority of car navigation systems utilise Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and computerised maps, and the automotive navigation system is no exception.

An automotive navigation system is a computer mapping tool used to assist drivers in locating their destination. Most of the time, this amenity comes standard with the vehicle. However, they can also be installed after being bought separately.

Most importantly, both varieties of automobile navigation systems are made to attach inside or on top of the dashboard for convenience. So, there is no difference in this regard. Regardless, most of them combine a satellite link to the Global Positioning System (GPS) with a computerised road map to show the vehicle's real-time location.

New automobiles usually come with factory-installed GPS navigation systems, or you can buy them as add-on equipment. These systems are capable of creating travel paths to a particular destination depending on a number of parameters. For instance, by combining the use of satellite signals with interactive onboard maps.

Additionally, some of these systems can automatically analyse traffic congestion providing the best options to reach a destination. They can efficiently perform this task because they are connected to sources of traffic information from reliable sources.

Also, these tools can immediately correct navigation mistakes if a vehicle misses a turn and offer an updated route alternative. Furthermore, Automotive Navigation Systems can deliver audio or visual instructions and can also direct vehicles to the closest petrol pump or suggest nearby restaurants or shops.

The automobile navigation system has recently gained more sophisticated functionality. For example, location search, voice assistance, real-time traffic monitoring, and offline maps that can be updated through OTA services are currently features of a vehicle navigation system. Although there are still other aspects, the four mentioned above are the most crucial ones.

1. Location Search

The primary function of an automotive GPS navigation system is location search. Typically, it involves using a voice assistant, a voice assistant's address book, the address book's prior destinations, POI (Points of Interest), or the address itself. In this regard, the most precise method of searching the area you are going to is by entering the exact address into the navigation panel.

One of the drawbacks is that you must stop driving and pull over if you accidentally want to change the destination. As a result, for the user's convenience, various searching techniques are equally appropriate in some situations.

2. Voice Assistance

Nowadays, voice assistants are an essential component in every new car, and the majority of automakers do include this feature in their navigation systems. In addition, an in-car voice assistant facilitates location searching.

However, if the voice assistant is not precise enough, misrecognition issues may occur, making it harder for the driver to get where they're going in that situation. To ensure the quality of these voice assistants, several automakers or navigation service providers are collaborating with already-existing voice assistants from the home automation space, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and so on.

3. Real-Time Traffic Monitoring

Real-time traffic monitoring is a highly useful feature that informs drivers of the potential fastest route to their location. Automotive Navigation System usually uses TMC (Traffic Message Channel) technology to perform this task. Most importantly, TMC obtains traffic data through RDS (Radio Data System) and transmits it to drivers of moving vehicles via FM radio broadcasts. This way, navigation becomes more dynamic and efficient by keeping track of the traffic in real-time.

In recent years, cellphones have included real-time traffic monitoring features that obtain data from online, vast databases via internet connections.

4. Offline Updated Maps

For car navigation, a map's accuracy and timeliness are essential, as they are for directional guidance. In general, offline maps with OTA (Over the Air) updates have become popular in recent years. Further, updating them often enable drivers to have access to the most recent maps.

Moreover, with the development of technology, 3D maps help drivers get more precise information from simulations of real-world situations. Also, online 3D maps are available in vehicle navigation systems without needing an OTA feature but are less common than offline maps.

• It facilitates people's travel to their destinations.
• It aids in the tracking of packages, stolen cars, missing people, properties, etc.
• By alerting drivers about potentially congested routes, it improves vehicle traffic flow.
• It aids in geodetic, tropospheric, and meteorological scientific studies.
• It facilitates purchasing for users by listing nearby retail establishments.
• Users are not required to pay any fees or charges to utilise this service.
• You can opt for this service anytime and anywhere. Additionally, it is self-calibrating and straightforward for anyone to operate.

• The device's receiver uses more power than other parts, so it needs a battery or charge.
• The GPS signal cannot penetrate solid objects like walls.
• Consequently, it is challenging to deploy this service inside settings such as underground stores, deep within rooms, densely forested areas, beneath the water, etc.
• Numerous factors affect GPS accuracy, including multipath and electromagnetic (EM) wave interference. This results in an inaccuracy of between 5 and 10 metres.

Although automotive GPS navigation systems provide correct routes in most cases, this isn't error-proof. As mentioned earlier, GPS receivers combine signals from a network of satellites and ground stations to determine where you are and where you want to travel.

If reliability is concerned, the data is equivalent to satellite data and its map information. So, your device cannot pinpoint your location correctly at certain times in the absence of a strong and clear signal. Hence, high structures, dense vegetation, mountains, and even shiny objects can cause errors in the navigation system.

The development of automotive navigation systems in cars is a continuous process that includes integration with other features, such as entertainment features. Predictably, the future of vehicle navigation systems will involve increasingly interesting integration with more in-car features.