Navigation version vs. Update dvd on GM Site

[YosemiteBrent]

I have called a Volt Advisor twice now (got the same guy 2 days in a row), searched the web and this forum trying to correlate the nav map version in my 2012 (201103) with the one available for purchase on the GM Navigation Disc order page (2012 Global A High Nav Disc Part# 22827639 $199.99). I can't seem to get get an answer. I would think that my vehicle, having been built in early May, would have the 2012 version of the maps. Does anyone know how to translate the version of the disc to the version displayed on the Volt config screen?

Thanks in advance for any light shed to this mystery.

[slickbrave]

I did a poor job of asking the same question and was assured I have the current version. I kind of hope not because mine is not current with "new" roads. I know the map companies are dependent on local governments to update them and users like us to make suggestions (which I've done), but my old Garmin updated the road over a year ago.

[BAZINGA]

Just because you have the CURRENT update doesn't mean it will display "new roads". Based on my experience with DVD based Nav syatems the data is usually 12 to 18 months old and even then many new secondary roads/streets never get accounted for.

[Fulgerite]

GM and other car manufacturers typically buy their GPS maps from companies like Navteq. GM may only buy the map once a year and it may take GM another several months to integrate the map into the GPS DVD release. So... When you buy a DVD update it might already be 6 months old.

When you are using a Garmin, TomTom Magellan Etc... The Maps are typically updated much more frequently. Also companies like Garmin get their map data from a variety of sources. (Including individual drivers.) I was able to add my own driveway to the Garmin database right on their web site. I made my own driveway appear on my GPS this way. The best and most current maps tend to be Google Maps, Bing Maps and Mapquest. These maps are constantly being updated and corrected every day. The best maps you can get... Are on your smart phone. (And the updates are absolutely free.)

Car manufacturer GPS units are over priced. The GM GPS maps are always out of date. When you do pay your $199 for your GM update your map will still be out of date compared with Garmin or your smart phone.

Automotive GPS systems are an extremely poor value compared with other systems.

[bronco7TX]

I just bought a house that was built in 2006 as part of a new development and the road is not in my GM nav. There are roads in there that were changed configuration in the 1980s that are still incorrect. I talked to my Volt advisor about this and she had me submit a request to the GM Nav people. I did that and never heard back from them. Pretty useless onboard GPS and I just feel stupid having a separate GPS mounted on my car when I need it.

[YosemiteBrent]

I am well aware that the GM Nav system is inferior to portable units. I just want to keep my vehicle's system up to date with the latest map. I would hope the maps get better, even though inferior, with each new version. No one has updated the Nav maps in the 2011 or 2012 model year?

[solar_dave]

I am taking a pretty long trip next month with my 06 Colorado so rather than buy an external GPS I got external blue tooth GPS antenna to pair with my iPad and a box to connect the ipad to the Colorado Radio and a mount for the iPad to attach to the windshield. Best of both worlds, MP3 tunes and large GPS display. I haven't settled on the software app yet, but several are available, like Garmin, Magellan ... Nice part is if I don't like the app I can just load another.

[YosemiteBrent]

As an update...Talked to a different VA today who called a dealership who said the disc on the GM ordering site is newer than the map version in my 2012 built in May. I am pressing them for a free update as I would expect my vehicle to be loaded with the latest released software. I don't think it is appropriate to ship a car with software that requires an immediate $200 fee to get current.

[maynard]

Why do we have to pay $200.00 to update our Volt's nav system???I paid $80.00 to Garmin for unlimited updates for my Garmin Neuvi. I do the updates right from the Garmin website. GM seems to have their head in the sand with their Nav system.

[YosemiteBrent]

Got another call from VA today who hooked me up with a local service advisor. The procedure is to make an appt to see if the Chevy dealer can update the map and, if not, they say they will order me the DVD. I pressed my VA to tell me the version of the 2012 map that GM sells so I can compare it to the vehicles map version. She said she would email her GM contact to try and get the version. Stay tuned for further updates.