GH makes some good points. Especially where GPS accuracy is concerned. If you don't have a 12 channel DWAAS...you might see yourself several blocks away from where you really are. And if the "basemap" in the unit isn't correct.....oh well.

Learn to use a map, learn to use your brain, and when you can run a good route "manually".....then add extra tools.

Question: If you can't do it the old fashioned way.....what are you going to do when your GPS craps out. Just "stop"?

 

I believe we should use every tool we have available. I use them all, tho I rarely use my GPS. I will use Google Earth and then look at my atlas. It seems the atlas gives me the big picture.

 

I respect your decision to bow out, and am not trying to egg you on, but...

You're right. I left MY MCA in my car, and was using a standard Atlas, AND relying on a TRUCK SPECIFIC software program at Truckmiles.com.

After consulting my MCA, I see that those roads are NOT truckroutes, and therefore ARE subject to bridge limitations and such. Anytime my MCA doesn't show a route as a TRUCK ROUTE, I start to question and investigate options. This was not a REAL trip route for me, so I didn't give it my full attention.

Your point is taken, and I'm glad there are some programs out there that are truck specific. Now.... if we could ONLY be sure that some yahoo entered the location of the town, or address correctly! :roll:

Like I said, and I'm not sure most people realize, there are TWO companies (that I know of) that provide ALL geolocations for mapping software, regardless of who markets it, or which GPS system uses it.

At Onstar, we had a toggle switch that would allow us to view BOTH "suggested" routes and locations (databases.) I cannot estimate the HIGH percentage of the time that hitting that switch would change ROUTES or, more often, LOCATIONS of the address/POI entered! But, at least I had that OPTION! Most systems that you all are touting, will rely on only ONE of them (due to cost) and you will not SEE the possible disparencies.

There's nothing wrong with the GPS technology. The problem is with the Mapping software that positions the POI, address, or location you are trying to get to! And, last I was aware of..... ALL mapping systems used ONE or the OTHER or BOTH of these two companies for their "basemap."

When ONE of them located a Hilton hotel in the middle of a residential area, I got suspicious! If a driver doesn't KNOW to be 'suspicious,' he is going to be taken for a ride.... literally!

The REV accused me of using a GPS based routing program minus the GPS. That is NOT true. GPS is ONLY used to locate YOU! The rest is a mapping software based on human entries of addresses and such! No GPS involved. Streets and TRIPS or whatever, Delorme and ALL the rest, are just ROUTING software based on a map, and the INPUTED coordinates of street addresses. And ALL of this is done by programmers, and not ONE part of it is GPS based. The GPS in ANY "GPS" package, is strictly related to locating YOU at that moment, and getting you to the nearest road that will lead into the mapping software!

So, use your TOY as much as you like. Depend on it if you wish. But, do so at your own peril. You've been warned! And, I hope, somewhat educated. BTW.... one of the companies excels in American mapping, at the expense of Canadian, and the other is the reverse! Since Onstar is available in both countries, we used BOTH companies' databases! Wonder which one is cheaper for YOUR system to use?

Someone mentioned that the Atlas gives you the "big picture." And that was my point. The question was how to decide which route was best to take, especially considering traffic. Only experience OR intelligence will help you look at the big picture, and decide WHICH route is best to take especially NEAR or AROUND big cities, on your way to your destination.

You can plug in options, and manipulate a software program..... or you can LEARN how to use the American Highway system to your advantage. It make no difference to ME! I KNOW what I am doing!

Good luck.

Hobo

 

I've been using mine for 2 1/2 years now, and have managed to find every one of my shippers with it. In fact, I have a MCA in the truck somewhere, but I have no idea where it is.


I suppose I should keep a carrier pigeon around too, just in case my cell phone stops working. After all, even though I depend on my "toy", I should do so at my own peril. I've been warned. :lol:

 

 

It is, and it is, and it will.

 

I think I'll join Malaki86.

I'll wait for the next great wisdom by golfhobo since he seems to KNOW everything there is about trucking. I just wish I'd known him 40 years ago when I first got behind the wheel of a big truck. I guess things changed while I was out of trucking. It appears now they teach everything you need to know in school. Now experience means nothing. Come out of school -- Drive teams -- You are a expert.

kc0iv

 

It seems to me as though there are too many drivers who are dependent on technology. Technology that is flawed, at that. I don't see why you don't just get a map. It is cheaper and more accurate, from what some are stating. Besides, what would happen if the computer or satellites went down? How would you find where you are going? The distraction of having a GPS or computer constantly on would drive be crazy. I see people with those GPS screens on their dash and I always think that they are as distracting as talking on a cell phone or reading a newspaper while driving down the road. Save your money, buy a map. :wink:

 

Sorry Golfhobo, but your wrong. Type in Whitehall, PA in a GPS and it will ask you which one since there are two in PA. Type in Hanover,PA and you will also get a list. Without a zip could, you could get the wrong town. And both of those are listed twice in MCA in the back.

 

Double R

If you look at Mapquest you will find Whitehall, PA has 3 cities listed (Allegheny County, Lehigh County, and Adams County). There are also 3 listings for Hanover,PA (York County, Luzerne County, and Northampton County).

Anyway thanks for the cities I couldn't remember them off the top of my head. I know there are other states that have duplicate city listings as well.

kc0iv