Garmin/Google Maps Waypoints vs. Routes

 

I saw a few posts with people being excited with google maps offering a means to download waypoints directly to our Garmin GPS.

Then, there were people complaining about the fact that the GPS only got way points and not the routes generated by Google Maps.

Well, since both Garmin and Google maps use the same routing engine, namely: NAVTEQ It stands to reason that the same way points ought to result in an identical route for both provided that the map data is identical.

So I ask, what is the big deal with the GPS storing way points instead of routes?

One of the features I like

One of the features I like about Google Maps, is the ability to 'grab' the route and move it to a more prefered path. While the routing engines might be the same, in order to accomplish the same prefered route on the GPSr, one would need to input waypoints to steer the route to the prefered direction. Having the abiility to manipulate this on the PC is an advantage I would like.
I have created a route on gMaps and then created the gpx route via the GM2GPX routine in the past, but those few extra steps would be nice to sidestep if possible.

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Well, first of all, even though both Garmin and Google get their maps from Navteq that does not equate to the statement that the maps in a user's GPS unit will be the same as the ones on Google. The user may or may not have updated their maps. Also, even if they have updated their maps, the update may or may not have included all the roads.

Secondly, if the routes aren't stored on the GPS unit, then the user must manually select each Waypoint in sequence (in the correct order) that they want to route to.

That's why GPS units that store routes are popular with people who want to navigate custom routes.

This feature from Google will not permit stored routes on units that don't support that feature.

routes / waypoints

ejodoin wrote:

I saw a few posts with people being excited with google maps offering a means to download waypoints directly to our Garmin GPS.

Then, there were people complaining about the fact that the GPS only got way points and not the routes generated by Google Maps.

Well, since both Garmin and Google maps use the same routing engine, namely: NAVTEQ It stands to reason that the same way points ought to result in an identical route for both provided that the map data is identical.

So I ask, what is the big deal with the GPS storing way points instead of routes?

Waypoints (favorites) are single points.
Routes may contain more than one point.

In practical use;
For example a trip to Grammas House. You could select that location from your list of favorites and let the Garmin "Calculate" the route. It will do so using the parameters set, ie Fastest / Shortest distance etc.
However, each time you visit Gramma you stop by her favorite bakery to pick up her favorite treats. This bakery is not on the "Calculated" route when we let the Garmin "Calculate" the trip for us. Oh, each time we visit Gramma, we also have to stop at her favorite "Spirits" store to get her favorite after dinner sipping elixir. This stop is also not on the "Calculated" fastest or shortest route that the Garmin has determined for us.

Therefore, we create, or would like the ability to create "Routes". These "Routes" will allow us to select our trip to Grammas House with the included stops at the bakery and elixir store.

You could create "Routes" that would go around known traffic issues, or create "Scenic" routes etc, possibilities are virtually limitless.
Unfortunately, not all Garmin units are capable (from the factory) to create/store/use routes.

I hope this makes sense.

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........Garmin StreetPilot c550 / Nüvi 765...........

Making Custom Routes -

[quote-tfelber]One of the features I like about Google Maps, is the ability to 'grab' the route and move it to a more prefered path.

MapSource does the same thing also. And it is easy to use.

You can make and manipulate a route to make it go anyway you prefer using MapSource.

H Hannah
Nuvi750 and Ique3600

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"Those that stop and smell the roses, must realize that once in awhile you may get a whiff of fertilizer."..copyright:HDHannah1986 -Mercedes GPS - UCONNECT 430N Chrysler T&C - Nuvi 2598- Nuni2555 - Nuvi855 - Nuvi295W - Nuvi 750 - Ique 3600

Marketing, I think

ejodoin wrote:

Well, since both Garmin and Google maps use the same routing engine, namely: NAVTEQ It stands to reason that the same way points ought to result in an identical route for both provided that the map data is identical.

So I ask, what is the big deal with the GPS storing way points instead of routes?

I don't think Navteq makes the routing engine, they just make the maps. Each GPS manufacturer has their own software routing engine that reads the map and plots the routes.

I don't think there is any real reason to limit the routes function, except for pure marketing reasons. Routes is one of the features that is offered on more expensive units. Even the units that do not support routes will allow inserting a single waypoint which essentially turns it into a route. If you can insert one, it is almost certain that you could insert more if they let you. I think it's just a marketing decision to provide some differentiation between models.

One minor (depending) problem with Google Maps approach

...is that if you are a cyclist, the Nuvi understands but google maps will still try to put you on interstate highways where bicycles aren't allowed. If you tell it to avoid highways, it may send you a very long way around, rather than put you on a frontage road. And navteq doesn't seem to have all the bike paths programmed in. Well, I guess nothing is perfect, and this is close enough.

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Nuvi 760 (died 6/2013); Forerunner 305 bike/run; Inreach SE; MotionX Drive (iPhone)

Different routes from Garmin and Google Maps

ejodoin wrote:

... It stands to reason that the same way points ought to result in an identical route for both provided that the map data is identical.

...

It's been my experience that Garmin and Google Maps will produce different routes using the same end points and parameters. And I've found the the GM routes are faster!

mapsource

works like google. I can drag the route to be whatever I want and download the route intact.

Where google has an advantage over mapsource, is that it has more poi locations. So, when I need a POI that map source does not have, I get it from google and it is nice to download the POI waypoint even though I cannot download a custom route.

I could upload that poi to mapsource, make a custom route and then download this new route, but generally I not needing that much help for a poi.

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___________________ Garmin 2455, 855, Oregon 550t