Got a question about GPS nav software, who uses it, what do you use, why do you like it, why DONT you like it, etc.

I am throwing around the idea of getting either Co-Pilot 11, or Microsofts program (road and map or something)

Now i know there will be your stupid remarks like "i just use a map, like real truckers should." but lets try to go a page without going off topic, please? Just on here actually looking for GOOD opinions.

 

I use Tom Tom One for the most part its pretty accurate. ive heard CO Pilot is fairly good but like any gps i wouldnt depend on it 100 percent of the time.

 

Yeah, i have been told that with Co-Pilot, even with all the trucker stuff turned on or selected, it has sent drivers down roads with 12' high bridges. Guess the safest thing is to cross-check the route against your motor carrier atlas.

 

I use Delorme Street Atlas 2009, and it is, for the most part, very accurate. It doesn't navigate for trucks, but I've heard there are addons to allow it to do so. I've just never needed it, so I haven't bothered looking.

As far as bad things about it, it's a memory hog. Big time.

 

A word of advice - stay away from CoPilot 11 because it's utter garbage. They're supposed to have version 12 out sometime after the first of the year. I use CoPilot 9 about 95% of the time and I mostly love it. And, no, you can't trust it whatsoever. Let it give you your route, then compare it to the MCRA and adjust it accordingly. Also, always always always get directions from the shipper/receivers. I couldn't tell you how many times that program has tried to lead me astray.

 

I have a couple of older versions of DeLorme. The latest one I have turned me off of them. I have Microsoft Streets and Trips now, and while I think it could be much better, it's really not bad. I don't know of any software that has been refined to the point that you can depend on it alone. I find that there are streets and roads in this country that have been built after the writing of the most recent software has been complete. Look for a street address, and when you call the customer, they've only been at that location for about 6 months. But, you can find short-comings in every brand of software. But is it useful? Without a doubt.

 

The 3-D feature in the new Delorme is awesome. I can't believe I went this long without it.

 

i don't use gps systems. i only use google maps and mapquest for finding customers and to see which side of the road the freeway connects, or where it connects from. it's especially helpful in places like shitcago.

 

I use a TomTom One. Like stated above, it can NOT be relied upon for the accuracy of it's maps, but it is great for knowing exactly where you are, reading the names of upcoming streets long before you can actually see them, and calculating miles.

I never, EVER trust it when it conflicts with my written directions.


As syncrosonix stated, google maps is a GREAT tool to use. Both Google maps and the tomtom GPS units use tele-atlas maps, which I've always found to be pretty good. The advantage to using an online mapping program, such as google is that it gets updated far more frequently than a GPS unit will, so it's more likely to be accurate.

And Kevin, you would have likely gotten better responses if you didn't finish your post with this:

Constantly accosting everyone else will NOT yield better results.

 

Actually Tom, I am pretty happy with the responce i have got. Last time i posted something asking a basic question, i got some stupid answer. Kinda like if i asked "where is the train station?" then get someone to answer, "probably near the tracks, stupid." hahaha

For the price, i might just go with Microsofts version. I dont really want to fork out $200 for Co-Pilot, but the new version coming out early 2009, might be worth the investment. I really would not use it for anything other than reading upcoming streets, becasue every town and city posts them differently. Another company driver i bumped into last week has a TomTom, and he uses it just for that reason. Would never trust it 100%.