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Using Google maps vs Satnav.

Using Google maps vs Satnav.
iD Mobile
iD Mobile Employee

What's the difference between Google Maps and Sat Nav?

Going on a road trip and planning to use your phone to navigate? We’ll show you the pros and cons of Google Maps compared to sat navs…

Most smartphones come with a 'sat nav' (satellite navigation) built in. For Android there's 'Google Maps', while iPhone has Apple Maps. We're going to look at how these navigation systems compare to a sat nav, to see if there's any reason you might want to use one instead of the other.

A few years ago, Google added 'full offline navigation' to Maps, meaning you can download routes and maps that you use quite often, so you don't have to use your data when you’re on the move. They expire after 15 days, which means you'll always have the latest version.

 

Needing directions quickly

Most of the time, you won’t leave home without your phone. Your sat nav, however, could easily be forgotten and left behind. That means if you’re out on the road and need to find a quicker route to skip the traffic, you could be a bit stuck. With your phone, you can just tap on Maps and find where you want to go.

There’s also a built-in search option on your phone. This lets you type in business names, and will show you the results on a map so you can choose the best outlet for you – like a fast-food chain or supermarket. It’s much easier than having to find the specific address to then manually enter into the sat nav.

 Another advantage of Google Maps is that because it’s connected to the internet, it should be mostly up to date. Roadworks and traffic will usually be picked up and highlighted on your route. If there’s a quicker way, Google will suggest it too. All this means you’ve got the convenience of a sat nav, without having to carry another device and charger.

 

Going the wrong way

Something else that Google Maps can do is send anonymous info about speed and location to build up a ‘live traffic map’. This helps give more accurate predictions for traffic and journey time. It doesn’t just apply to driving, either. You can also use it when you’re cycling or walking, so long as you choose that option on Maps.

If you choose the ‘public transport’ option, Google will let you know where and what time you need to be there, and any connections you need to take. You can also enter your home and work address via Google Assistant, and it’ll let you know the best route to take and time to leave each day.

 

Wrong turns and low signal

There’s still a few areas that could do with improvement on Google Maps. The GPS, for example, can be a little patchy in low signal areas. When this happens, Google Maps can tell you that you’re in a slightly different place, making it confusing if you don’t know the area well. If you know that where you’re going is a low signal area, it’s probably best to download the route beforehand. Sat navs, however, seem to keep full signal in these areas.

Another issue is battery life. Using Google Maps with data and location turned on can drain your battery faster than normal. It’s fine for short journeys or if you have a charger handy, but without one, you may find your battery runs out before you make it to your destination.

Also, a lot of the features on Google Maps require an internet connection. Things like traffic updates, bike routes and public transport directions all need you to be online.

 

So, which is best?

We think that having a sat nav in the car is handy for times when your phone battery is low or you can’t get a signal. Overall though, Google Maps works just as well as a sat nav and has the added bonus of automatic updates. So, you don’t need to buy the latest map packs to keep things up to date.

There’s still a place for the sat nav, but mobile apps are getting better all the time, so it might not be long before they overtake their dashboard counterparts.

What do you use to get from A to B? Is there an app out there that you think does the job better, or are you sticking with your trusty sat nav? Let us know below!

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10 replies

PavD
Bronze
 Contributor
  • Bronze
 Contributor
  • 93 replies
  • October 16, 2019

I didn’t know that Google maps work when your data is offline. :thinking:​​​​​​​


Mohammed
iD Mobile Employee
  • iD Mobile Employee
  • 7962 replies
  • October 16, 2019

I use a Sat nav in my car.

 

Whilst Google Maps can be great, I’ve found it to be hit and miss at times and trouble with getting it to show navigation the same way sat navs do. It may be a bug but sometimes the sat nav shows from a top down view of the overall journey instead of following it on the road which can make it harder to follow.

 

That and the draining your battery.

 

Using a Sat Nav just means that added peace of mind as my TomTom is used solely for that purpose of directing me from A to B without having to worry about battery life.  It also works a lot better too, with small features that are a great bonus.

For example, when on the motorway and you’ve got 4 lane carriageways with 1 turning off left, 2 going straight and 1 turning right and knowing which lane to be in can be a big struggle if you’re not used to it. My TomTom will show you which lane to be in exactly.

 

Helps for a hassle-free, stress-free drive allowing me to focus on the road ahead or the Radio :grinning:

 

Mohammed

 

 


PavD
Bronze
 Contributor
  • Bronze
 Contributor
  • 93 replies
  • October 16, 2019

That very true. I was gifted a Sat nav for my car and haven’t used it as much. I do use ‘Waze’ the app rather than Apple maps. :grin:  I prefer the app as its more accurate with time and also finds the best route for me. :information_desk_person_tone3:


  • Active Contributor
  • 5 replies
  • October 27, 2019

I use Waze but I do like Google Maps.


MymsMan
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 60 replies
  • October 30, 2019

A few tips to help with using Google maps:

  • Download offline maps  over internet connection before you start
  • Don’t use satellite view it uses a lot of data
  • Don’t use traffic layer, it uses a lot of data and isn’t needed since you will still be shown traffic along your route and offered alternatives (provided you haven’t turned off all data use)
  • Plan ahead and save likely destinations so they are quick to find
  • Use common sense, all Sat Navs sometimes suggest routes along minor lanes to trim a few seconds of the journey,

Ryan
iD Mobile Employee
  • iD Mobile Employee
  • 4570 replies
  • November 1, 2019
MymsMan wrote:

A few tips to help with using Google maps:

  • Download offline maps  over internet connection before you start
  • Don’t use satellite view it uses a lot of data
  • Don’t use traffic layer, it uses a lot of data and isn’t needed since you will still be shown traffic along your route and offered alternatives (provided you haven’t turned off all data use)
  • Plan ahead and save likely destinations so they are quick to find
  • Use common sense, all Sat Navs sometimes suggest routes along minor lanes to trim a few seconds of the journey,

 

Great tips, @MymsMan. I’ll take a look at disabling satellite view next time as I’ve never done this before!


  • New
 Contributor
  • 2 replies
  • November 4, 2019

I have been using google maps as a satnav, but it has stopped working properly? When typing the address in for the destination the sat nav calculates how many miles but doesn't move along the route when travelling to give directions? Appreciate any help?


Gatsonides
New
 Contributor
  • New
 Contributor
  • 1 reply
  • November 4, 2019

Don’t forget stay safe and stay legal.  Programming satnavs can lead to you losing concentration in your driving.  The Police and the courts take a very dim view of drivers handling their mobile mobile phones for whatever reason.

Apply that very rare asset - common sense.


  • New
 Contributor
  • 1 reply
  • November 5, 2019

Although current guidelines from police say that if the phone is in a cradle and journeys are programmed before you set off, touching the screen is only permitted when Google Maps suggest alternative/quicker routes and you press OK or something like that. 

Given the recent news that the Government are looking to change the laws so that screen touching is not allowed full stop - it would be interesting to see what the law will become and the debate of Google Maps on smartphones vs Satnavs again about which will be better. 


Mohammed
iD Mobile Employee
  • iD Mobile Employee
  • 7962 replies
  • November 6, 2019
Chubba wrote:

Although current guidelines from police say that if the phone is in a cradle and journeys are programmed before you set off, touching the screen is only permitted when Google Maps suggest alternative/quicker routes and you press OK or something like that. 

Given the recent news that the Government are looking to change the laws so that screen touching is not allowed full stop - it would be interesting to see what the law will become and the debate of Google Maps on smartphones vs Satnavs again about which will be better. 

 

Definitely.

 

Whilst I am guilty of setting up on the go in the past, I can fully understand why this law is coming into effect.

 

Best thing to do is pull up safely, set the sat nav and then get going.

1-2 minutes at most on local roads but can save a very nasty accident.

Much longer on motorway, understandable but again, not worth the risk.

 

Mohammed