Off Road Navigation Part 3
We’re finally ready to discuss my favorite off-road navigation topic: full navigation systems. In this article we’ll discuss both in-dash and other permanently mounted options. Before I get into the details, I quickly want to mention paper maps again. Please! Please, don’t rely solely on electronics for your navigational needs. Always carry paper maps as a backup.
When it comes to permanent navigation options, off road capability is almost overshadowed by the need for great on-road and entertainment features. These systems will be used for finding directions and gas stations probably more often than they will be used off road. Features like custom points of interest (POI’s), multimedia playback, cell phone integration, and map upgrades become very essential features for any permanent solution. Our list of “must have” features is relatively short, but in these systems the ‘bells and whistles’ will certainly hold more weight.
Must Have’s
-Autorouting, turn by turn directions for door-to-door navigation.
-Upgradable Maps
-Suitable POI (Point of Interest) database
Other Features
-MP3 & DVD playback
-Bluetooth integration
-USB ports
-Voice Directions
-iPod integration