Perennial Question About Accurate Routing

This may be an ongoing question, but have to pose anyway....

My new Nuvi 1450 works well and I have the latest unit software
installed (except for the update map I'm entitled to prior to 14 Oct).
But I'm frustrated by the incredibly lame routing the 1450 provides much
of the time. For example, as I was nearing a paved destination 1 mile
straight ahead of me, the 1450 wanted me to U-turn and go another way
2.5 miles out of my way. Another: as I started a 500 mile route on
Interstate 20 East, the 1450 had me take every ramp exit, then get back
on I-20 later. Note: I've adjusted my Nav settings for faster time and
the "proper" avoidances."

My question: is it the unit software (ver. 5.40) causing this idiotic
routing or the map software. Hopefully it's the map software, since I'm
getting a new one soon!

Are all/most automotive GPS devices like this? Thanks again.

I only have a couple of older models - Nuvi 260 and Nuvi 255 -
and never have seen any weirdness like that....

Using a "grid pattern" to go at a diag between 2 points,
it usually finds the fastest segment and then keeps going
until it finds the next fastest X/Y segment, then goes on that.
For me, coming home on I-355,
it has me go PAST my normal exit
and get off at the next exit
because it "thinks" the 50 speed limit on the further 6 lane access
is faster than the 4 lane artery with just 40...

Usually there is some reason - auto vs bike vs ped -

As you surmised, this question or topic does come up now and then. I
blame it on less than perfect map data, less than perfect routing
algorithms, and in some cases less than optimal user settings.

I think the bottom line is that you're going to have to take final
responsibility for where you drive. The GPS is but one vote, and it's
a vote you can and sometimes should override.

On 7/18/2011 5:14 PM, Sunshine wrote:


Excellent reply. However, even if I know where I'm supposed to go, and
since I paid big bucks for a Garmin unit, I should expect destination
solutions that are not so obviously "messed up."

I agree with you, but the technology isn't quite perfect yet.
Nevertheless, what you described shouldn't be all that common. These
devices are pretty amazing, overall, but they do make mistakes and
that's why I say that the final responsibility lies with you.
Hopefully it will start behaving and will get even better as you get
more familiar with it and especially after you make an upgrade or two.