GPS Maps

Update your navigation system with the latest GPS maps.

You will need an updated GPS map if this situation applies to you. You have a navigation system in your car that was already built in when you bought it 5 years ago or you could have one of those portable GPS units that you have been using for 2 years and you realized that when you are traveling for a trip and the address of your destination is nowhere to be found. This is a dilemma that most people have now because they haven't updated their navigation systems. As we all know that new streets, subdivisons, houses, hotels are being built everyday and if you have an earlier GPS system, then those gps maps built in the device needs to be updated.

The fastest and the easiest way to update the map software on your unit is to visit the website of the manufacturer itself and look for information on how to update your navigation system. As to OEM in-dash navigation systems for cars, you will need to go directly to your nearest dealer and ask if you can purchase the updated DVD map software for your vehicle. They will usually cost more as compared to the portable units.

A lot of manufacturers like the Garmin offer a lifetime updates on their select GPS units or you can purchase it separately. This is the most cost effective method if you rely heavily on your GPS unit when traveling. When you sign up, you will get notified if there is a new updated GPS maps for you to download and they usually update it 3-4 times a year. You just have to make sure that your existing GPS unit is compatible for the update and you will also need a USB cord (which is usually supplied when you bought the unit) so that you can connect your computer to your GPS device. Take note also that you can only update your device with whatever original preloaded gps map on it. For example, if you have a unit with Europe maps then you can upgrade it with a newer version of european maps and not the North America maps. Garmin nuMaps lifetime updates can be purchased for less than 80 dollars at amazon.com. There is also and SD card option in which you purchase the GPS map on an SD card. The downside is that it is only one update and in the next year or two, you need to update again.

If you have a built in-dash unit in your car, then the only easy way is to get it from your dealer or cheaper from online as long as you know which type of update you need to buy. Most built in navigation systems for cars are updated using a DVD. There is usually a DVD slot which is normally hidden where you can put in the DVD GPS map update. Just check with your user manual on where and how to do it. The DVD updates are not cheap and they usually cost around $200.00. It is really not cost effective to update every year and for that price, you can easily buy 1 or 2 portable GPS units with lifetime updates.

Another option that you can do is actually not updating you GPS device but use your smartphone to access google maps which is real time updated with current maps. This option is the cheaper route if you normally don't use your GPS most of the time and you only go to mostly older destinations or there are a few instances of your unit not showing your destination.

Whatever option you like to take, GPS maps does need to be updated so you will not get lost, especially in this fast paced world of ours, new streets and new addresses are being built every single day.