GPS Systems & Traffic Data
Many GPS navigation systems come with additional features, but currently one of the most popular features of GPS is traffic data. When you are shopping for a GPS system, you will have a few different choices; the
Basic GPS, the
Traffic Optional, and
Traffic Ready.
The
Basic GPS system has all that you need to plan and navigate a route, but does not come with traffic information. With this type of GPS you will be unable to get any type of information on current traffic for the road you are traveling.
The
Traffic Optional GPS system works with an FM band receiver that must be installed between the radio system, and antenna. In order for this to work and give you live updates on current traffic, you will have to subscribe to a traffic service. Once you do this, at a glance of the screen you will get updates on traffic, road construction, and even traffic accidents that may be further up the road. With this information you can choose to reroute your destination in order to avoid being jammed up in traffic.
The
Traffic Ready GPS comes integrated with the traffic receiver, and very often these systems will also come with a free subscription to a traffic service. Depending on what brand you purchase you may get a one-month, or even a 1-year free subscription.
When you have either the Traffic Optional or Traffic Ready GPS system, you will get real time traffic information from around the country; incident reports, estimated delay times, alternative routes, and if the feature has been enabled, it will also provide automatic rerouting.
Along with traffic reports, you can also get warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead, which may include foggy conditions, wet or icy roads, reduced visibility due to snow or rain, etc. This really adds a measure of safety to your travel, as you can easy find a place to stop for the night if you already know that you will be running into dangerous road conditions.
If you do not travel much, a basic GPS system will likely be adequate for your needs, but if you are a frequent traveler, or have to commute back and forth to work through heavy traffic areas on a daily basis, a GPS navigation system that features Traffic Optional or Traffic Ready functions may be very helpful.
There are several different brands of GPS systems that now come with Traffic Optional and Traffic Ready features, including the Garmin, and TomTom brands. Though Garmin is a great brand, for the traffic service many people appear to prefer the TomTom brand. Do some research and see which GPS traffic feature would best work for your needs.
