Whereis® maps are in most of the leading portable and built-in car navigation systems sold in Australia and New Zealand, including devices from Garmin and TomTom.
Map Updates (V16.0)
If you already own a portable GPS device, it’s easy to update to the latest Whereis® maps.
Update your map
An introduction to portable GPS devices
Portable GPS (global positioning system) satellite navigation devices are like having an expert navigator sitting beside you, giving you visual and spoken turn-by-turn directions all the way. Most models are battery powered so can even be used when travelling by foot or public transport, and if needed can be charged by being plugged into your car cigarette lighter.
Portable Satellite Navigation can be known by a number of names, including GPS, Handheld GPS, GPS Navigation, Nav or SatNav. Because they’re portable, they’re ideal if you want to use them in different vehicles. They can be purchased through major electrical retailers and specialist GPS stores.
Learn about map upgrades
Learn about GPS technology
Portable GPS device buyers guide
When shopping for a portable GPS device, here are some important device and map features to look for.
Device features*
Text to Speech (TTS)
Text to Speech is commonly re¬ferred to as TTS. Devices with text to speech will pronounce a street name, rather than just saying “Turn Left”. A unit without Text to Speech would announce a turn as “Turn right in 100 metres”, whereas a unit with Text to Speech would announce “Turn right in 100 metres onto George Street”. TTS improves safety by confirming that you are on the right route without you having to take your eyes off the road.
Traffic Message Channel (TMC)
Some advanced GPS devices offer Traffic Message Channel compatibility (TMC). Available nationally, TMC broadcasts traffic alerts to compatible GPS devices, enabling them to recalculate a route to avoid traffic incidents, such as accidents or road works. TMC may be built into a GPS device, or added to selected models using a cradle or an antenna.
Interface
The interface is the visual look and feel of the maps and menu systems. Look for a device with a clear interface and menu you can easily navigate – this is something the leading brands tend to do well. Take time to trial the interface while in store – does it make sense to you, or would you struggle to under¬stand it while out driving?
Send to GPS
Send to GPS allows you to search Whereis.com from your PC and forward the POI and address you need to locate directly to your compatible GPS device. It’s a convenient and accurate way of entering locations into your portable GPS device.
Screen
The most popular choices for screen size are 3.5 inches or 4.3 inches, with sizes of 5 inches or more available for large vehicles. Smaller sizes provide a compact device that can be easily taken with you. Larger screens offer easier visibility and more on-screen data. Make sure your touch screen is quick and responsive, as well as bright, and easy to see even in high glare conditions, something quality devices do well.
Windscreen mount and cradle
A good GPS set-up will allow the device to be easily removed from either the windscreen and/or docking station. Having a single-clip mount from the windscreen will make your day-to-day use of the GPS device much easier. The ability to easily rotate the GPS device while it is mounted on the windscreen will allow you to quickly adjust the angle of the screen for easier viewing and use.
Map features
Map data
Look for Whereis® maps when choosing a GPS device. Whereis® maps have been compiled by experts with on-the-ground experience capturing Australia’s road network. Learn more about all the benefits of Whereis® maps.
Points of Interest (POI)
Using a GPS is not just about getting from A to B, it’s also about what’s along the way. Whereis® maps include more than 600,000 local points of interest across Australia. Learn more about Whereis® maps point of interest data. Look for a GPS device that permits POIs to be selected as a final destination, allowing you, for example, to select ‘zoo’ rather than needing to enter its street address. POIs such as petrol stations, accommodation, ATMs or tourist sites can also be added as stops throughout your journey.
Speed limits
Road safety features are a must when purchasing a GPS device. A GPS device with Whereis® map data will provide you with extensive speed limit information and speed warnings along your route, helping to keep you safe on the road.
Fixed speed and red light cameras
A GPS device with Whereis® maps can provide you with information on upcoming fixed speed and red light cameras. Your GPS device will provide an alert as you approach these cameras, to help you drive safely.
School zones
Children can be unpredictable, so it is always important to be careful when driving within school zones. Whereis® maps include accurate school zone data. Look for a GPS device that provides an alert when approaching a school zone.
Junction views
Junction views provide clear visual displays of freeway exits and complex intersections. They include road signage and arrows indicating which exit or direction to take. The realistic photo images can help reduce anxiety that comes from driving on unfamiliar roads.
*Device features may vary depending brand and model of GPS unit.
