GPS for Oz

[dwyman]

Can someone help me find some affordable GPS software for Oz? I have a laptop with GPS but need the software. It will mostly be used to navigate around Sydney. We'll be visiting from the US in October.

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Are you after just the street level Satellite-Navigation maps themselves, or do you mean you need a complete system of map data software with street level navigation plus a software application to read / guide you from those maps?

I suspect that "Affordable" may not enter into it either way but can you give us an idea of your intended budget for such things? I used to sell Sat-nav systems amongst other things in a former life (err, job) and many of the sat-nav systems here (generally the better ones anyway) use the "Whereis" street database info. Map data alone can be $400-700 in Aussie dollars - that IS nationwide though.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What about hiring a portable sat nav unit while here instead?? I can't tell you (yet) who may hire these out but it may be worth a try. If you have options then I recommend either the Navman ICN 500 or 700 series models, or the Garmin StreetPilot units. Hiring could end up much cheaper.

If you are also hiring a car then certain vehicles have sat nav built in, or an option may exist to add or include the hire of sat nav possibly at additional cost. There's other companies apart from the 4 listed below that rent cars with sat nav built in:

AUSTRALIA
Thrifty Australia have a supply of Holden Commodore 4.0L (or similar) sedans with GPS Satellite Navigation at certain locations. These would be on request and the GPS unit is built into the vehicle.
The cost is included in the daily Rate from AUD$76

Hertz Australia have a supply of Premium Vehicles with GPS Satellite Navigation at certain locations. These would be on request and the GPS unit is built into the vehicle.
The cost is included in the daily Rate from AUD$76

Europcar Australia have a supply of Ford Fairlane Ghia 4.0L (or similar)sedans with GPS Satellite Navigation at certain locations. These would be on request and the GPS unit is built into the vehicle.
The cost is included in the daily Rate from AUD$79

Red Spot Australia have hand held units for rent in certain locations.

[dwyman]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll look into a rental car with a built in GPS. I've been Googling about on the net and the software is indeed expensive.

[dwyman]

Can you give me some better info on those companies? I checked their web sites but can't find anything about a GPS option.

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

I must admit Don that the individual websites for those rental companies do not easily give up any info about cars with inbuit sat nav, I'd say it may be a matter of sending them an email to discuss it with them directly.

(The info I pasted previously came from a third party site, and while it had some info, ie Thrifty have some Holden Commodore's with GPS Nav, I think you had best confirm things with the actual rental company(ies)


Here's the contact details for Thrifty Car Rental:

Reservations
For assistance in making, changing or cancelling your booking please contact our National Contact Centre:

Reservations telephone:1300 367 227 (Australia only)
+ 61 2 8337 2790

Email:reservations@thrifty.com.au

[dwyman]

Thanks for your help. I'll check it out.

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Hertz Car Rentals have some specific info on ther site - the Navman (brand name) unit they talk about is fully portable, can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle in just 20 seconds and as a brand are the best I have ever seen/used in a portable unit.

https://www.hertz.com.au/rentacar/by...=globNav_3_3_3

" Drive With Confidence With Hertz In-car Satellite Navigation

Whether you are travelling on business or on holiday, you can drive with confidence with Hertz in-car satellite navigation. No more fumbling with maps, searching for street signs and asking for directions.

You will never be lost or worried about finding your way to an unfamiliar destination with the remarkable NAVMAN in-car navigation unit as your guide. NAVMAN uses innovative street mapping software with the latest GPS technology to deliver a safe, easy to use and dependable details into the navigation unit, and the NAVMAN responds with voice and visual instructions for a stress-free journey.

NAVMAN Features

• Colour display
• Clear accurate visuals
• 3D Map
• Current position display
• Back to track automated re-routing
• Navigate to your destination
• Navigate to multiple destination points

Hertz offers this superior technology at major airports and selected downtown locations throughout Australia, for a nominal daily charge.

The NAVMAN unit is available in our Fullsize Economy vehicles (Ford Falcon or similar). "

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Europcar have nothing specific about Sat Nav on their website either, so again I'd say send them an email and ask.

Contact Europcar

Reservations Center

For assistance with car hire bookings or modifications to reservations, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated reservations team on:
Phone: 1300 13 13 90 (within Australia)
+61 3 9330 6160 (outside of Australia)
Email: info@europcar.com.au



Hope this helps Don!

[acropolite (Phil)]

Don, I think most of the rental companies offer stand alone GPS options, i.e. something like the Garmin Streetpilot, for a small additional fee. I know Avis definitely offer it as last time I rented I was offered the option.

[dwyman]

I'm going to give Budget a call. I have tentatively rented a car from them.

[gary]

Hi Don,

Gary here. As mentioned, what the rental companies tend to do is offer the GPS
unit as a standalone 'tick in the box' option. If you request the option, sometimes
the check-in person will hand you the unit at the counter in a little bag and
you affix it to the dash or window and stow it in the glove compartment when not
in use.

I used one from Budget in California last month and what was impressive
was the live traffic data feature where it warns you of congestion and can then
attempt to re-route you. To the best of my knowledge, I don't know of that service
being available here yet in Australia - not that you will need it on your trip -
but in the greater LA area where I was using it, the first time it said
"Congestion ahead. An alternate route is available", it took me by surprise that
the unit had that feature and sure enough, she was right and assisted me in avoiding
the delay.

If I can assist in any way for your trip, drop me an email at sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au

Looking foward to seeing you again soon!

Best regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai

[dwyman]

Thanks, Gary. I may be overreacting here. I really just need help getting out of Sydney from the airport and then back again. Once out of the big city I'll be fine. Last time I had Dave Kriege acting as my co-pilot. This time it will be me and my wife, Mary Ann. She's a wonderful person, but not much of a navigator.

[Outbackmanyep]

Apparently getting out of Sydney airport isnt too hard, if you're going to the Blue Mountains stay on the freeways/ motorways M5 to M7 to M4.....i gotta do that route on the 6th July, got a lady friend from TX visiting me!

[dwyman]

Thanks. I believe we will be going through the Blue Mountains on our way to Coonabarabran.