RNS510, speed cameras and the need for a disk?

[Highlander]

VW is using Sensis maps...
I'm not saying that VW themselves should be doing this... I'm saying that VW should be providing its customers with the same features/version that the aftermarket GPS' have via Sensis.

Couldn't agree more.

[REXman]

Yeah for a $2500 option at order, it's pretty ****. I hope VW can make the sat nav I ordered as good as a cheaper ($300?) navman/Tom Tom. I've never had integrated sat nav. Only reason I've gone it in it's current state (cause it sits flush, basically)

[Corey_R]

I disagree. For numerous reasons discussed in the threads actually on the topic, the RNS510 is an excellent sat nav. Unfortunately, at least in Australia, it seems that the maps supplied to the car manufacturers GPS products are not as "complete" or "full featured" as the maps supplied to the portable GPS products. This is not just an issue with VW, but as far as I'm aware, with all other manufacturers.

I'm also not aware of any other "Sat Nav" system available from a car manufacturer which is as fully featured (beyond just the sat nav features) and as well integrated for the price. All other systems are either far more expensive, or are obvious "after thought tacks ons" or have tiny little screens etc etc.

[dave_r]

Yeah for a $2500 option at order, it's pretty ****. I hope VW can make the sat nav I ordered as good as a cheaper ($300?) navman/Tom Tom. I've never had integrated sat nav. Only reason I've gone it in it's current state (cause it sits flush, basically)

That's why I didn't bother with the option, seems too expensive for the basic set of features on offer. If I'm on uncharted roads, it is usually a weekend cruise so no need to really be anywhere. Worst case, pull out the phone and use google maps.

If there was a way to enhance the features with firmware or DVD's later, I'd consider upgrading to an RNS system later and upgrading the Polo with my old unit.

This is not just an issue with VW, but as far as I'm aware, with all other manufacturers.

That is probably a fair comment. Until they're more than just scrolling maps, i think they're just an expensive UBD. I think the latest Audi system has a 3G module in it for traffic/other data updates live. Not sure how well it works or if it is even supported here.

[Idle]

I disagree. For numerous reasons discussed in the threads actually on the topic, the RNS510 is an excellent sat nav. Unfortunately, at least in Australia, it seems that the maps supplied to the car manufacturers GPS products are not as "complete" or "full featured" as the maps supplied to the portable GPS products. This is not just an issue with VW, but as far as I'm aware, with all other manufacturers.

I'm also not aware of any other "Sat Nav" system available from a car manufacturer which is as fully featured (beyond just the sat nav features) and as well integrated for the price. All other systems are either far more expensive, or are obvious "after thought tacks ons" or have tiny little screens etc etc.

I also agree that as such things go, the RNS510 is an excellent unit — but why,oh why can't it have maps that are (a) accurate and (b) complete?

I know there are always going to be changes due to new roads etc. that the map updates don't quite keep up with and we have to live with that — but errors on maps that have been correct in the street directories for years past and large tracts that have been accurately mapped for a century or more just being omitted from the system seems inexcusable.

If a pocketable device costing only a couple of hundred dollars can contain them, why on earth can't a much larger one that costs thousands?

And why are these discrepancies never documented in pre-sales info? All the good points are stressed to the point of hyperbole, but never is the fact that the thing can get you lost even mentioned.

It really is time the car makers were brought to heel on this.

[Corey_R]

Yes, but is it the car makers, or is it Sensis who are the suppliers to both the car makers and the portable manufacturers?
I think that this is an issue for the ACCC

[ConR]

My issue is the ability of the RNS to upgrade its maps, and having to be tied to VW. I think that's not how it should operate. Understood though, VW make a profit off selling upgrades, but having to wait for them to release an updated version of the maps is not fair.

Roads and their associated conditions change all the time. By the time they release an update, who knows what might have changed.

[Corey_R]

Anyway - I'm moving this to the correct forum now as it is applicable to all models where the RNS510 is available, not just the MK6 Golf. Guys - please take the discussion about "likes or dislikes" and currency of maps etc to another thread and keep this on the topic of "bulk editing/addition of POI's for the purpose of adding speed cameras etc". Cheers.

[Idle]

Yes, but is it the car makers, or is it Sensis who are the suppliers to both the car makers and the portable manufacturers?
I think that this is an issue for the ACCC

I can't see it being Sensis — they're in the business of supplying maps and shouldn't care who buys them, only that they get their price for a given edition.

Car makers habitually buy price — if bolt No 235 can be had a cent cheaper and on-sold for the same price...

I don't suppose purchasing cares what version a map is, just that they get it cheap and sell it dear.