This information is of little use to motorists on its own, so the vehicle is then superimposed onto a digital on-screen map which is stored on a hard drive or DVD. The superimposition of the vehicle's location onto the map is accurate to within a couple of feet, and the position updates in real-time as the vehicle moves around.
When giving directions, vehicle speed and direction are taken into consideration and used to trigger pre-recorded voice and on-screen prompts for guidance. A polite lady tells you when to merge, turn or do a 'youey' if you slip up. Miss a turn, and the system instantly re-calculates your route and keeps you on the move. With NAV on board, you needn't have any navigational skills whatsoever to get around.
This sort of technology was once relegated to the realm of Star Trek- but it's here, and it's going to continue to advance. Mazda's team says that improved graphics, details, integration, and touch screen technology is becoming more popular. Mini-NAV should improve affordability in the future, and real time traffic updates are starting to become popular as well.
The latter alerts drivers of possible traffic situations on their route, and can guide them around such issues to save time. There's also a system in the works that can alert and divert around potential bad weather.
Factory equipping your ride with a navigation package will cost somewhere in the ballpark of $2,600 to $3,000. That's not entirely cheap- and it's no secret that your local gadget-shop sells portable units for a tenth of that price.
The functionality of some portable systems is limited though, and they can require sloppy wiring or mounting in a distracting location, like on the windshield. An integrated system looks better and tends to be easier to live with. Mazda also cites larger screen size, functionality, graphics and details as the most significant differences between factory and aftermarket systems.
If you're a traveler, a gadget aficionado or a bit of both, check out the latest in navigation technology for your next ride. If you're sense of direction is hopelessly out of whack, the price tag is minor in exchange for unquestionably knowing where you're going at all times.
photo:Mazda, Philippe Champoux
When giving directions, vehicle speed and direction are taken into consideration and used to trigger pre-recorded voice and on-screen prompts for guidance. A polite lady tells you when to merge, turn or do a 'youey' if you slip up. Miss a turn, and the system instantly re-calculates your route and keeps you on the move. With NAV on board, you needn't have any navigational skills whatsoever to get around.
 |
| Mazda6 |
This sort of technology was once relegated to the realm of Star Trek- but it's here, and it's going to continue to advance. Mazda's team says that improved graphics, details, integration, and touch screen technology is becoming more popular. Mini-NAV should improve affordability in the future, and real time traffic updates are starting to become popular as well.
The latter alerts drivers of possible traffic situations on their route, and can guide them around such issues to save time. There's also a system in the works that can alert and divert around potential bad weather.
Factory equipping your ride with a navigation package will cost somewhere in the ballpark of $2,600 to $3,000. That's not entirely cheap- and it's no secret that your local gadget-shop sells portable units for a tenth of that price.
The functionality of some portable systems is limited though, and they can require sloppy wiring or mounting in a distracting location, like on the windshield. An integrated system looks better and tends to be easier to live with. Mazda also cites larger screen size, functionality, graphics and details as the most significant differences between factory and aftermarket systems.
If you're a traveler, a gadget aficionado or a bit of both, check out the latest in navigation technology for your next ride. If you're sense of direction is hopelessly out of whack, the price tag is minor in exchange for unquestionably knowing where you're going at all times.
photo:Mazda, Philippe Champoux