The times in which a journey was searched with the help of a map or even an atlas are almost over today. With modern technology, modern navigation options have come onto the market. While gadgets have just been ridiculed, these are now available in cars, in cell phones, or simply as portable devices on the market. But where are the differences in the different devices, how does the technology work and what should anyone interested in buying a new model pay attention to? All these questions should be answered in detail in the following article.

How do navigation devices work?
Basically, it does not matter what kind of navigation device it is about. Whether an app on the Smartphoneor the classic system from the electronics market, the basic technique is always the same or at least very similar. The user of the device is located, thus locating his position as accurately as possible. Thanks to today’s technology, this is possible in the shortest possible time and within a few meters. The user with his respective position is then displayed on a graphic map. Depending on the entered destination, the system then calculates the required route over which the user can reach the destination.
Almost all systems rely on GPS technology for positioning. This is a globally available system for location. By connecting to (at least) three different satellites, the position of the terminal can be precisely determined.
A modern one navigation device is not only used in the car for private purposes today. Much more often, the systems are used for professional use, for example, in the aircraft. Again, the systems, which are of course specially adapted and incomparable with a normal system for the car, ensure a safe and fast navigation to the desired location.

Modern technology for more functions
However, modern devices no longer rely solely on the GPS signal, but are also often online today. Through a good expansion with mobile networks in Germany, the systems access the Internet. Thus, not only the position can be determined, but it can also be retrieved additional functions. For example, modern navigation devices permanently update traffic information over the Internet. Thus, that can navigation device For example, warn of obstacles on the selected route, for example, in a traffic jam or the like. In this case, modern devices are also able to directly suggest to the user a suitable and faster route as an alternative.

What should be considered when buying a new system?
Since the technology is the same for almost all systems, as described above, there are no major differences in the purchase process. More important in this case is the choice of the right manufacturer. Because even if almost every week different systems in the well-known discounters are on offer and the extremely low prices seem very tempting at first glance, should rather be invested a little more money here. Because especially important in one navigation device are above all the cards. If these are no longer up-to-date, a suitable route can not be generated and displayed despite localization. It is therefore important to pay attention to a long-term support when buying. Because only then can the maps be kept up to date. Also construction sites, new roads and other obstacles are taken into account. Unfortunately, this long-term support is usually only guaranteed by the major manufacturers, for example TomTom. The particularly cheap devices from the discounter often get no updates after 2 to 3 years, so that the installed cards are outdated very quickly. It is also important to make sure that the available updates or new cards can be installed directly by the user and at no additional cost before making a purchase.

What features should the device have?
Many manufacturers promote their devices with a particularly extensive equipment with a variety of maps. In addition to the most important countries of the EU, maps of Russia and similarly distant countries are also included. However, these big card packages often cost much more. Accordingly, the user can already pay attention directly before the purchase, which cards are installed and which of these are ultimately needed in the end. If, for example, no trip abroad is planned in the next few years, a more favorable system with map material will suffice exclusively for the Federal Republic. Thus, every user can save money directly.

Navigation device – The app for the smartphone
As today more and more people have a current smartphone, the classic navigation device used less and less. Because not only that the smartphones are permanently connected to the Internet, almost all smartphones also have an integrated GPS chip, which allows accurate location within a very short time. Of course, the app developers have also recognized this fact and for this reason nowadays provide the user with apps in the popular stores, which can certainly compete with a normal navigation device. Even free apps are sometimes available here, but in this case of course financed by the display of advertising. These apps also lead more or less reliably to the desired location and offer practical functions such as a jam detector.

Beware of the navigation device in the car!
In general, navigation devices in the car are of course completely legal and a very handy helper, especially if it goes into completely unknown areas. However, especially the driver should exercise caution when operating the device. For example, when entering a route while driving, it is inevitable that the view from the road must be stapled to the display. During this time, the risk of accidents increases enormously. In this case it is better to let the route be entered by a possible passenger. If the driver is alone in his vehicle, the operation of the device should wait until a traffic light or a short stop should be engaged.
An alternative to this in turn offers the modern technology. After all, the manufacturers also want to increase the safety of drivers and all passengers. Accordingly, particularly modern models are available on the market, which can be controlled by voice input. The software is then programmed to recalculate a route with the voice command, to enter new destinations, and more.