Anyone know if jag has plans to include red light camera and speed radar camera locations through the GPS system? There's already a database in use through Escort and some others, so it would be an extremely easy software update. Techs...anyone...heard anything?

Oh, and on the subject of HDD GPS, does anyone know how we update the nav? Do the techs automatically do updates during servicing, or is there something we can do on our own?

 

I've heard of stopping at red lights.

 

hahaha, that is a good one though. Eventhough I have an Escort CI installed, I usually simply stop.

 

Very helpful gentlemen. How about some useful replies for the subject?

 

C'mon...just joking. I don't think this is easy to do without having access to the original code and programing tools. With one exception, to hack the next NAV upgrade and (given one can extract the Escort database) those cameras as POI to the NAV database.
Sorry, didn't mean to make fun about your idea. As a matter of fact I always love to improve with good software hacks and I like your idea.

 

No worries...just trying to keep things on track. Navteq database includes red light and speed radar locations in the US.. The issue is the jag command module/GPS interface being able to/allowed to make use of that data already available. My goal is to generate interest so that jag makes a priority out of updating the system to allow the use ofnsaid data.

I contacted Navteq today to be sure that info is already included, and it is. Jag n/a was closed today for weather, but I plan on calling tomorrow to put a bug in their ear about it. I figure if a few of us do the same, we can get that update quickly.

Some of you might not live in an area with speed cameras, but if you did, you'd know how important this is. And when they shorten the duration of a yellow signal on the light to catch more people with red light cameras, it gives even more incentive to know where they are. To say nothing of the safety hazard of people slamming on their brakes at a red light camera for fear of a ticket.

 

Well, knowing how communities are making speedcameras into cash registers like crazy you got a point. Recently in my area they removed 2 red light cameras because they got such an increase in accidents due to them being there.

I do agree that those speed cameras have nothing to do with safety and have all to do with illegally getting generating revenue. So having the tools to counter it would be just right.

I will send a message to Jaguar as well. Didn't know it's as easy as Jaguar making those items in the NacTeq base visible.

 

Below is the letter I sent to Jaguar Corporate, and to the owner of my local Jaguar dealer to investigate. Not sure if it's helpful, but here it is nonetheless. It includes the press release from Navteq regarding what they trademarked as "Navteq Camera Alert."



I started doing some research on navigation systems providing locations for red light camera and speed radar locations. There are a number of companies that offer this, Navteq included. Garmin also has it, Escort uses it in their radar detector GPS, and a host of companies offer add-on software that's compatible with a selection of portable GPS devices.

In my research I found an article from 2009 that indicated Navteq added these locations (POIs), and so I called them yesterday to confirm this. Navteq said that the information provided to Jaguar DOES included the POIs for speed radar and red light traffic radar, but that it's up to the hardware device of the individual manufacturers to take advantage of all of the information contained in the Navteq suite.

This actually should be a very basic programming fix to enable this feature, but I have no idea who to speak with at Jaguar to get this conversation started. Can you please point me in the right direction? Below is the press release from 2009 with a bit more information. It's called "Navteq Camer Alert" officially.


NOVI, Mich., June 2, 2009 -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, announced today at Telematics Detroit 2009 speed and red light camera locations are now available for the NAVTEQ(R) map of North America. NAVTEQ Camera Alert(TM) includes up-to-date information about the exact location of speed limit cameras, red light cameras, as well as combined speed and red light cameras in 5,000 locations throughout North America.

Containing location information for both fixed and mobile cameras, all NAVTEQ Camera Alert content is associated to the NAVTEQ map. When combined with NAVTEQ's speed limit information, this content can enable navigation systems to provide warnings to drivers about changes to speed limits or locations of speed limit and red light cameras.

"Automated cameras are proliferating across North American cities," stated Cindy Paulauskas, vice president Americas map and content products, NAVTEQ. "And our proprietary research indicates that these types of warnings are a highly valued feature in countries where this navigation system functionality is available. Providing our customers with quality North America camera location information helps enable solutions that give drivers better knowledge of maximum speeds and traffic signals - with alerts at the right place and at the right time."

NAVTEQ Camera Alert is delivered as an easy-to-use and flexible XML format, which makes it easier for NAVTEQ customers to implement. The addition of this comprehensive camera location information complements other features already available in the map such as railway crossings, school zones and traffic signals. All of these features can be utilized in a variety of combinations to create powerful alert and warning systems for vehicles.About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,000 employees located in 190 offices and in 39 countries.

NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Camera Alert are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

 

And thanks for jumping onboard Gears. Strength in numbers for sure.