Mobile navigation systems and apps

Trades 4.0: Navigation systems are now standard equipment for tradespeople to find the optimal route to construction sites and customers. For cars without a built-in navigation system, external systems or corresponding smartphone apps are recommended.

This article is part of the special feature on digital craftsmanship.

Around 77 percent of all drivers in Germany rely on digital support to avoid traffic jams : Classic navigation devices are the most popular at 61 percent, while another 16 percent use smartphone apps. This is the result of a representative survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom among more than 1.000 participants in June 2020. Avoiding traffic jams is a major concern for car and motorcycle drivers: 96 percent stated that they seek information about traffic conditions.

Four navigation solutions

Technical terms briefly explained: What do the abbreviations mean? Photo: © Thomas Busch

Today, drivers have four different options for digital assistance: By far the most expensive solution is a built-in navigation system from the car manufacturer. Depending on the manufacturer, this can cost up to several thousand euros. The biggest advantage is seamless integration into the car's technology and design. A second option is a retrofittable radio navigation system that can be installed in the radio slot. These solutions usually cost between 200 and 1.000 euros, plus installation costs.

But there are much cheaper options: Reliable mobile navigation systems are available from around €130 , while premium devices with numerous additional features can cost up to €400. However, the market for mobile navigation devices has been in a state of flux in recent years: Three well-known brands – Becker, Falk, and Navigon – have disappeared completely. Currently, only Garmin and TomTom , along with a few lesser-known manufacturers, are competing for customers with their mobile navigation devices.

Today, navigation apps that can be easily installed on an existing smartphone or tablet are among the retrofit solutions offering the best value for money . Mobile systems and apps have the advantage of being usable in multiple vehicles and, if needed, also on bicycles or as a pedestrian.

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Checklist: Mobile navigation systems and apps

• Display: To ensure that all information is clearly legible, the navigation system display should be at least five inches (approx. 13 cm) in size and have a matte/anti-reflective coating.
• Maps: What maps are already included (e.g., Germany, Europe, worldwide?) How up-to-date are the preinstalled maps? How frequently are updates released – and how much do they cost?
• Voice control: To ensure that the driver is not distracted from the traffic, the most important functions should be controllable by voice.
• Carrier for oxygen bottles: Supplied or purchased mounts should be securely mounted in the vehicle. The device should not vibrate excessively or fall off when touched. It should also be in the field of view without obstructing the view.
• Traffic data: How does the navigation system receive traffic information? Real-time data is provided by digital radio receivers (DAB+) or permanent online connections, such as Google Maps or TomTom Traffic. The next best alternative is Navteq Traffic/TMC Pro, whereas the slower TMC is only used in inexpensive entry-level devices.
• Live services: Some navigation systems offer additional information in real time, for example petrol stations including fuel prices, current weather information or available parking spaces.
• Assistant: Various assistance systems can provide more comfort while driving, for example lane assistants, warnings when speed limits are exceeded or when hazards occur.
• interface: Bluetooth is recommended for connecting the navigation system to other devices. Wi-Fi is useful for installing larger map updates directly to the device.
• GDPR: When using navigation systems, comply with all legal requirements, such as the GDPR. In individual cases, it may be advisable to purchase your own devices that do not store sensitive data.

Fast traffic information

Navigation quality is now very reliable in most systems, but there are significant differences in the provision of up-to-date traffic information : The often-advertised free "Traffic Message Channel" (TMC) is useful, but not particularly fast. The information is only updated approximately every 15 minutes. This is only sufficient for journeys in rural or urban areas where it's easy to quickly switch to secondary roads.

Current navigation apps at a glance. Photo: © Thomas Busch

For tradespeople who also use highways, devices with "Navteq Traffic" (formerly "TMC Pro") are better suited : This system also incorporates external data into its calculations, for example, from thousands of bridge sensors, road induction loops, and other vehicles. Digital radio receivers (DAB+) are even better, as they have a particular advantage: For technical reasons, they can transmit more data than FM frequencies, thus providing real-time traffic data . Devices with a permanent online connection, such as navigation apps on smartphones or devices with "TomTom Traffic," work just as quickly and accurately.

Voice operation

Voice control is particularly convenient on the road , preventing the driver from being distracted by manual input. To save on ongoing costs, regular map updates should be free – as up to 15 percent of all road layouts in Germany change every year. Those who can connect their navigation system to the radio via Bluetooth receive the driving instructions clearly through the car speakers.

Current navigation systems at a glance. Photo: © Thomas Busch

Mobile navigation systems and smartphone apps also have disadvantages: Mounting them – for example, with a suction cup on the windshield or with clips on air vents – isn't always aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, unsightly cables are visible, such as charging cables for the cigarette lighter or additional TMC antennas. However, those who aren't bothered by these drawbacks can glide effortlessly past any traffic disruptions with inexpensive retrofit solutions.