Wayfinder Mobile Navigator

WAYFINDER'S Mobile Navigator turns a mobile phone into a GPS-based voice- guided navigation system which can be used both inside and outside a fleet vehicle. The system uses up-to-date maps and databases of information generating turn-by-turn instructions.

Instructions are transmitted via a mobile phone and can be used anywhere in western Europe. A digital map is also shown on the face of the phone, enabling the system to work while alternative calls are being taken. Mobile Navigator is compatible on a range of mobile phones including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Sendo and Siemens.

VDO Dayton MS3200

VDO DAYTON'S MS 3200 combines satellite navigation with two additional travel aids, a route map and a traffic message channel.

The system has a stand-alone LCD display which can be mounted either on the dashboard or any other position in the vehicle, including the roof, as it can be rotated to 180 degrees.

Fleets can access real-time navigation commands and only pay for the information that is required, for example CD maps of certain locations. Current CDs with up-to-date mapping information can be purchased at any time providing information on locations such as filling stations and shopping centres.

The traffic function provides information on traffic jams, enabling drivers to use alternative routes.

Alpine Electronics

THE Alpine Electronics satellite navigation unit provides fleets with a navigation unit and a radio/CD player.

The firm behind the unit says it is for fleets wanting 'high quality audio combined with convenient route guidance in a highly compact system'.

The system includes traffic alert functions and enables drivers to input postcodes to generate route guidance.

Electronic voice guidance provides instructions for any destination in Europe. Drivers are also able to view more than 700,000 points of interest including tourist sites, garages and restaurants.

Additional modules can be added to the system such as a traffic jam alert, which enables drivers to avoid congestion areas.

Masternaut M-schedule

M-SCHEDULE is a mobile office unit which includes satellite navigation and works from a PDA or hand-held computer such as iPAQ and XDA. The web-based system sits in a cradle on the dashboard and uses live route tracking to guide drivers to locations.

It can be integrated with existing dispatch systems and is able to schedule work, automatically identifying resources from an electronic diary and current locations. Details are then sent to the driver through the PDA.

Masternaut says the system is ideally suited to fleets and can be adapted to handle service call despatch and closure, deliveries and other response-based and emergency services.

The system uses audio commands for directions.

Trafficmaster Smartnav

TRAFFICMASTER's Smartnav system provides fleets with a touch screen unit which issues voice instructions and shows visual mapping routes. The unit is linked to Smartnav's central computer. After drivers touch the screen, details are sent to a central computer with directions being issued in seconds.

Traffic jam warnings are given, with the system providing alternative routes if roads are congested and in the event of a breakdown the system automatically locates the driver and calls for assistance.

Drivers are able to buy additional modules for the system including a safe speed option which alerts drivers to speed cameras for £6 per month and a stolen vehicle locator which works similarly to a tracking device for £100 upgrade and £8 per month.

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