Out-of-date maps suck. As a huge GPS fan I've encountered my fair share of inaccurate GPS map data. But TomTom’s new Map Share software combines cartography with community features that allow users to update maps on the go and then later share the map data with other TomTom users. This still isn't direct P2P GPS functionality with automatic traffic data sharing, but it's a start.So when is this useful? Suppose you are driving and the GPS takes you to a closed road, a detour, or an entirely new road. You can enter changes to the route on the TomTom’s screen - assuming you don't rear-end the car in front of you while trying to key in the data!
The new data can be uploaded to the Internet with the TomTom Home software. Then other TomTom users can choose to download all map updates from the community to their own TomTom units, or just those verified by TomTom. I can think of some nice pranks to pull with this. Like say reprogramming Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park to take them to Yankee Stadium instead.
The TomTom Map Share technology is free and included with the new TomTom GO 720 GPS receiver. The GO 720 has a 4.3-inch color screen, a built-in FM transmitter to play music stored on the device or from MP3 players through the car’s radio, and the ability to record your own audio driving instructions.
The Map Share software will eventually be released to users of older TomTom products.
Source: NY Times
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When are they going to get some good maps for the middle of the U.S.?
And where can I get them?
I just bought the GO920 and I can't believe how inaccurate the maps are. I have been using a GPS since 1992. The street maps are the worst I have seen. Navigation is good when the streets are correct but how can you trust it? Their MapShare is not good enough to report all the errors at my particular location. I am on an airpark and they show my street and both the runways to be the same name. But that is only one of the many more street errors.
I have a GO720 and a HTC S710 (Voadfone badged) and I want to know if it is possible for me to get the traffic updates and how I configure the mobile. The TomTom site does not show my phone but there must be a way of making it work so that I don't have to buy a new phone.
I find that my Tomtom maps are no ware as accurate as MicroSoft Streets and Trips. And so far I have not seen Tomtom put in one change that I have submitted. You can not trust it at all. Sucks!
Hey Chris,
You are right on. Not only does the map suck but the poi's are equally as horrible. I have been trying to convince myself that I am too hard on this thing (GO920) but every time it comes back and bites me. I don't understand how they do poi's but for example, from your position if you search for banks it will come up and give a bunch of stuff you never heard of and fail to list some of the most prominent. However if you search for poi by a city and know the name of the bank you will find it. So if it's in the database why doesn't it show up in a bank search?
Another time I have been right beside two restaurants that it said was 7 miles away from here I was.
I like the google interface but the tomtom maps REALLY SUCK!
When I search for a gas station,bank or whatever, I expect it to show me the closest one unless I am going by city. It doesn't.
It gives a bunch of crap miles away and doesn't mention the stuff close by. In one case the only restaurant around the area that I knew about for the last 15 years isn't even shown but some non-existant one is and all the others are 30-40 miles away. I hope they get it together. POI's SUCK!
Navigation is excellent if it knows where you are going. Problem is, when you know it's wrong for places you know about, how do you trust it for what you don't know. Thats my two cents worth again.
Jack
Buyers Remorse for sure!
GET A GARMIN! More accurate maps by far tom tom U SUKK!