Already Outdated??

I have the 2008 map, which is the latest, and have found similar errors or omissions. It seems that the map makers do not have a good system of keeping themselves informed of changes. You would expect roads that are 2 years old to be on the map.

You can check version of your map..Wrench then maps...then map info it will tell you version...It needs to be North American 2008.nt that is the newest

Otherwise you need to inform them of the missing roads
there is a web site for that too
and welcome to the POI factory..I see you have been here..53 min already

I haven't been a member here all that long, but I've seen many similar questions to yours. The problem lies in the fact that the map makers (NAVTEQ in this case) can’t/don’t keep completely up-to-date with roads. It's especially exasperating when you know a road has been there for a couple of years and it doesn’t show up on even the most recent map release. Some have suggested that the best solution on the way is a subscription service that receives almost real-time updates and you download them as part of the service. That can be a big improvement, but I’m sure there will still be gaps between the road you’re on and the map.

The longer you use a gps device the more you realize maps simply can’t be 100% accurate all the time (even worse with paper maps). Pretty darn good in my opinion, but never 100%.

You can order the 2008 map version from Garmin for free. However, I have the 2008 maps and they are lacking some roads in my area too.

This is Garmins error reporting page.

http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/errorForm.jsp

NavTeq only releases new data 4 time a year, so that's how often their customers (Garmin) receive updates. Then that data has to be processed into the maps that we use in our GPSr's. So the info that Garmin has to work with is at least 3 months old, then they do their thing with it and prepare a new map once a year. So the likelihood of any map being less than a year behind real time is remote, and it's more likely to be 2 years.

And all this only applies if NavTeq is made aware of the change. I don't know where they obtain most information about road changes, but the best way to be sure is to report it to the NavTeq Map Reporter yourself. At least then you have some chance of seeing it on the next update.

I guess i have mixed feelings then, I didn't know the process of Garmnin turning data into maps was so drawn out, mapquest and the online mapping sites seem to do much better. Not sure why but i still love my nuvi.

remember mapquest is not supplying maps to users via CD roms. If Garmin updated mapes quarterly they would be swamped with requests of FREE upgrades. We all know a company has to be profitable to develope and market products or we would all be lost without our GPS. This is why TomTom is tryng to get subscribers to pay for live updates and user data feedback on map updates.

Mapquest is being paid by advertisers and no customer service expense. it is an easier task to update.

Reporting the missing roads to Navteq is only the first step, That road ten has to be verified by navteq before they will include it in their updates. So you can do 2 things - Report the changes and patiently wait. - Or make your own map supplement.
http://www.mapman.org.uk/

GPS is not 100% accurate but serve as a guide. Check multiple source before you go.

Hate to use this phrase but, it applies: Garbage in, garbage out. The GPS is only as good as the information fed into it. Last year I learned about a newly developed gated community when my GPS wanted to send me through it. Last week, I could not find an address on Elk Grove, CA that was probably at least a year old. In this case, Yahoo and Google maps didn't have it either. Try to have a backup, like calling a local resident.