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More and more automobiles across the world are now using automotive navigation system. This system works with the help of satellites that have been designed exclusively for this purpose. It may sound similar to GPS but it actually is different from it. This system utilizes the position data to locate the distance on the database of the unit's map. It addition it can also tell the users about the side roads which are already saved in the system's database.

The automotive navigations system was introduced in 1983 by Honda. The system however went on to become a regular feature only in 1990(in the version of Acura Legend). The system was used to find out the locations as GPS was not available then. However the first GPS-based auto navigation system was made by Pioneer in the year 1990. A number of such systems are available today. The popular ones are Hertz Neverlost, TeleNav, Etak, Pioneer, Garmin Street Pilot, Navman iCN Series and Tom Tom.

The essentials of a navigation system are:

1. The map: this is the most important component of the system. There is the map's top view. The map can also turn around just like an automobile.
2. There is a linear gauge which is used to measure distances. However it is not needed in case a rotating map is present.
3. There is a bird's eye view of the next curve.
4. numbers are also there( for distance)

The system consists of a road data base. It is actually the vector map of a particular area. All the information about the area like the name, addresses etc are stored in the database as geographical co-ordinates. You just need to know the street address and you can get all the related information instantly. Regular updating of the database is done through the internet. It gets updated as a person moves from one place to another.

The storage of the database can be done in several ways. It can either be stored in ROM (read only memory) or on a magnetic media. It can also be stored in Optical media that is DVD or CD. Flash memory can also be used for storing the database. A combination of all these is also preferred sometimes. Maps are usually stored in the ROM. The information can then be changed according to an area (in which the user is interested). The ROM is usually programmed when it comes from the factory. However other storage media's may be pre-programmed. They can also be downloaded from a DVD or CD (through the computer).

Proprietary formats are used because as such there are no standards for satellite navigation maps. The maps are actually made in the GDF format by NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas. They are change into an optimized format by the electronic manufacturers.

An automotive navigation system can help you in several ways. Other than finding the location, it can tell you about the near by restaurants, gas stations and cash machines. Information about the traffic jam in an area is also displayed in some of the newer systems. They also suggest alternating routes. These navigations systems use color LCD screens which may well act as a DVD or TV screen also. Mobile phone may also be integrated with the system. This will allow hands free messaging and talking.