GPS and TV

[Peazoup]

Can anyone tell me why GPSs don't work in The Villages? Last time I visited, my GPS just couldn't find me and just had a ? mark on the screen.

[SteveFromNY]

Some of the older areas should be there. I think it's just a matter of timing - it takes awhile for things to get updated. Up until very recently Google maps showed a blank for the greater part of TV south of 466. The satellite images are still showing construction vehicles where perople now live. Your unit may need to be updated. Maybe the vendor can tell you how to do it?

[Peazoup]

StevefromNY - thanks, do you think that's correct because my GPS is only a little over a year old and parts of TV, expecially the north side are way older than that?
Stereo, cable, DVD, surround sound, pc internet connections, fax, printer - wires, wires, wires and more wires everwhere - now GPS stuff - can't keep up. I'm drowning in technology. Can you tell I'm a girl? Then there's care repairs - don't get me started. Do you have a "rent a husband" club? :dontknow:

[SteveFromNY]

Yes, that is what I'm saying. If you were to google TV and get the map you'd see many of the areas below 466 with roads, and in many places, where you know there are roads, they don't show. I don't know how new streets get into computers, but whatever the process it seems to take time. And the GPS data base is the same thing. I have a GPS built into my car that has a disk in the trunk that I know will need updates (and I hear they charge a fortune for a new one).

Where'd you get all those wires from/ Aren't you wireless yet? ;D My wife often mutters as she sees the cluster of wires behind the stereo, the computer, etc. "I thought we everything was wireless" It's not just you that's overwhelmed!

[Villages Kahuna]

NAVTEQ produces the maps and digital GPS information that is used by every company or service that relies on maps that I know of. If you look closely, you'll see that websites like Google Maps, Mapquest, etc. use NAVTEQ mapping information. So do virtually all the GPS manufacturers.

There are probably two "levels" of errors that cause many locations south of 466 not to be shown on some GPS units or map websites:


It's possible that NAVTEQ hasn't completed the mapping work needed to update their data bases.
Or, even if NAVTEQ has done the mapping work, the website or GPS manufacturer must have used those latest, updated map data bases for locations to "show".


Failure in either case will cause the frustration being experienced. But relax...in time all the data bases will be updated. You may have to BUY the new information for your GPS, but that's a subject for another post on TOTV!

[dadspet]

Garmin Nuvi 350 with the 2007 level maps worked good up to 466. The latest map level 2008 now covers areas south of 466.

[DDoug]

Central Florida try your cell phone

[bamafan]

I have a Garmin and anything south of 466 is vacant. Going across the bridge to Lake Sumter looks like I am crossing a lake. I have not obtained the newest map upgrade, think I will wait for the next one. Everything north of 466 is available and works great.

[The Great Fumar]

I can't get it either, That settles that , Its the last time I buy something at Marion Market !!!!!! Or was it the dollar store, hmmmmm

[nanci2539]

My Garmin 360 doesn't work in TV at all - I was told you can download updated maps from their website but I haven't had a chance to check it out.

[Peazoup]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I've just ordered the 2008 map software for my Garmin Street Pilot so hopefully................

[JUREK]

PEAZOUP;
I just got off the phone with Garmin. Talked to a rep and they are sending me the newest update for FREE FREE FREE ..I have the cheapo Street Pilot 330 but they assured me I should have TV .
They said I should have it in two weeks. Give it a try. It took two reps before they offered it free
:bigthumbsup: :bigthumbsup:

[Peazoup]

Thanks Jurek. I ordered the update for my Garmin Streetpilot c530 yesterday at a cost of $70 plus $7 for shipping. I will call them and ask about free upgrade. Interesting.

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Age of the unit and 'updatability' are significant with GPS systems. The system we have built into our car does not show large portions of TV, but then again, the car is a 2004 model. On the other hand, our Magellan 4040 hand-held unit, purchased recently, does (though the actual street in TV is listed under 'Lady Lake,' not 'The Villages'). We suspect that the car's system can be updated by the dealer (at a cost, of course!); we plan to trade the car and at the same time check to see if the GPS system in the 2008 models has been updated (which we assume will be). For those using a system that shows a blank screen for the area where you live AND it's a matter of finding your way home FROM an unfamiliar area, you can program an intersection near your home that IS on the GPS as 'home'; once the system directs you to that intersection, from there you know the rest of the way home.