Cost of US map updates?

[AskDirections?]

Hi there everyone. I have been reading posts about TomTom GPS units. Very entertaining. I have been thinking of purchasing a TomTom unit (haven't decided on which one yet).

Question: Does TomTom charge about $100 for every quarterly US map update they release?

If so, that would be $400 per year. A new high end unit (complete with the latest hardware improvements and maps) would cost about the same, a low or mid range unit would be much cheaper. Who would pay such a high maintenance cost?

 

[dhn]

You have misinterpreted whatever you've read.

When you get a unit, you have 30 days from first use to take advantage of the latest map guarantee; that ensures you now have the latest map for your model.

Now then, while TT does tend to release updated maps every 3 months or so, NOBODY would actually purchase every update. Maps just don't change that much. Many might, just might update once a year. The cost is about $100 US, give or take, though they tend to go on sale.

North Americans don't have a map subscription -- yet -- like the Europeans do; participating in the subscription series by Brits results in a current map and 4 quarterly updates for a total cost LESS than 1 map costs in North America.

 

[AskDirections?]

Thanks for the answer. I don't see how I've misinterpreted what I've read. You ARE saying each map update costs about $100. You're just saying that no one buys every update. I'd guess that is because of the price. If the map updates were say $10, I would bet many more people would buy every update. And if TomTom sold subscriptions for $5 per month, it sounds like the net sales would be higher than the average user buying map updates once per year or less.

Regardless, at least TomTom puts out an update more frequently than once per year. Of course, the real question then is can you tell in advance whether a map update would be advantageous to any area one might be interested in (example, inclusion of a new road close to home)? My guess is probably not.

Can you update your maps with any user submitted MapShare changes independent of a map purchase?

 

[dhn]

Yes, you can use Mapshares to add changes to your map. You are entitled to a year of mapshares for your specific map. That's another reason why most don't update their maps quarterly.

I mean, TT would LOVE if EVERY user updated that frequently. Any gps company would. It's just that it is just not done in reality.

 

[frankxs]

If the map updates were say $10, I would bet many more people would buy every update.

Oh, I don't know about that. For all those years I used paper maps in that cost range, I still used the same one for at least 3 or 4 years before buying a new one!

-Frank

 

[Petrite]

Waitta minute...

You are entitled to a year of mapshares for your specific map.

So what happens after the year? you need to buy a mapshare subscription? or does the functionality stop?

 

[mvl]

Tomtom changed their website to say "at least 1 year" of mapshare updates. They have the right to cut off map updates after a year, but apparently chose not to.

I had the 710 map, and a few months ago Home said "Sorry, your mapshare is expired" (paraphrasing) and didn't let me get more mapshare updates. I could still make my own updates but not get other people's. A few weeks later it started giving me updates again, which I assume is when tomtom changed their mind.

 

[Petrite]

I can certainly understand that they have a right to discontinue it. I just figured that with no road additions or deletions, the updates would natually trickle down to a stop when fewer and fewer people use the old maps because they wanted newer ones or if they jumped ship to one of the other GPS providers.

 

[JimT]

Phantom Roads

I am considering not buying any map updates. I updated this past Summer whenthe maps were on sale. I was using my 510 last week on a road which is basically a goatpath when i was given instructions to turn left. Lo an behold there was no road to turn left on. It was a difficult maneuver in my F-150 to turn around. I found that this street did exist at the road above me but the lower part was not there any longer or never existed. Thank God it wasn't at night!!

 

[dhn]

In planning preferences, do you see a choice to 'Avoid Unpaved Roads' in your firmware version?

That may help in the future.

 

[swb]

I am considering not buying any map updates.

It seems to me the best strategy is when you think you need a new map, get a new GPS instead.

 

[JimT]

These roads were paved- they were just wide enough for my vehicle and not enough room to do a U turn.