When you get the DVD update, what exactly is updated? Is it just the businesses, addresses, phone numbers, etc., or is the map also updated. I know around where I live the streets are always in flux, it would be a shame if the street map wasn't updated as well.

 

I hope it's a data upgrade cuz the dang thing doesn't know anything about our entire MtZion shopping area and it's been there for 3 years. Mine is a July something 2003 disc, I know there's been 2 additional since then.

 

I'm assuming that the restaurants, parking garages, etc. PAY to be in the database. I was in DC last week asking the Navi to "locate nearest parking garage" at 11th and F, NW, and it showed me 4, all owned by the same chain and all more than ONE MILE away..when I looked up from the Navi screen I saw at least 4 of 'em, none owned by that chain, all within about 700 ft of my location. Same deal with the restaurants. Don't get me wrong -- I think the Navi is great --- but I would assume that the updated DVD addresses those kinds of issues more than it has to deal with changes in roadways. Does anyone know whether I am just being cynical and you don't have to pay to get in the database? I originally was expecting, just for the restaurants and hotels, to update the DVD every few years, but if the coverage is limited by pay to play, I'm not sure whether it would be worth it.

 

The navi disc is updated at least annually, usually in the fall. There are different versions based upon what car and features it will go into. Updates include changes of business such as hotels, gas stations, which change names all the time. It also includes new road information. Is the navi system 100 percent perfect? No. But with 7 million plus points of interest compared to only 1 million in Lexus, Infiniti systems, It is WAAAY better.

 

Ok. So streets, roads, highways, etc are updated. That's good to know. By the way, how often do you guys intend to update. I'm thinking every other year or so should be often enough.

 

According to the Navteq site 15 - 20% of the streets change annually. I think every year for me.

 

I don't think the POI's pay for inclusion. There are some pretty small take out and chinese food places in the database that I have never seen advertise in my area.

The coverage in Canada is not as extensive as the in the U.S. but it isn't bad.