The Pitfalls of GPS Navigation in Mainland China

May 30
12:12

2024

jodie mht

jodie mht

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Car owners, have you ever set out on a joyful trip only to find yourself lost or misled by your GPS? While some may laugh off the extra gas money spent, others have faced serious safety risks due to outdated or uncertified navigation systems. Shockingly, only 3% of car GPS systems in China are certified, and many maps are over a decade old. This article delves into the dangers and inefficiencies of GPS navigation in mainland China, backed by real-life experiences and statistics.

The Prevalence of Outdated GPS Systems

According to a report by the China Daily,The Pitfalls of GPS Navigation in Mainland China Articles only 3% of car GPS systems in China have received proper certification. This means that a staggering 97% of these systems could be unreliable or even dangerous. Many of these GPS maps are based on data that is over ten years old, making them highly inaccurate in rapidly developing urban areas.

The Risks of Using Cracked Maps

In Kunming, a significant number of vehicle owners use cracked versions of GPS maps, which cannot be updated. This poses a severe risk, as outdated maps can lead drivers into hazardous situations. For instance, Wen Yu, a resident of Kunming, purchased a car navigation system for 500 yuan and an additional cracked map for 100 yuan. Initially, the system worked fine on main roads, but a weekend trip to Xundian pasture turned into a nightmare.

Wen Yu's Misadventure

In November last year, Wen Yu and his friends decided to visit Xundian pasture. Following the GPS instructions, they ended up on a highway. However, the GPS failed to provide any prompts at a crucial fork in the road, leading them to Qujing instead of Xundian. This misdirection not only wasted time and fuel but also caused significant frustration.

Real-Life Dangers: Chen Lin's Near-Death Experience

Chen Lin's experience highlights the potential dangers of relying on faulty GPS systems. During the Chinese New Year, Chen Lin had to deliver a report to a cooperative company. To avoid morning traffic, he chose the second ring fast elevated road and set his GPS to "high-speed priority."

A Close Call on the Second Ring Road

As Chen Lin drove, the GPS instructed him to turn left in 300 meters. Confused, he followed the directions, only to find himself heading towards an incomplete bridge. Fortunately, he noticed the warning signs just in time to brake and avoid a catastrophic accident. The GPS had mistakenly thought his car was on the bridge, leading to the erroneous instruction.

The Need for Certified and Updated GPS Systems

The incidents involving Wen Yu and Chen Lin underscore the urgent need for certified and regularly updated GPS systems in China. According to a study by the China Academy of Transportation Sciences, outdated navigation systems contribute to 15% of road accidents in urban areas.

Steps to Improve GPS Navigation

  1. Certification and Regulation: Authorities should enforce stricter regulations to ensure that all GPS systems meet safety standards.
  2. Regular Updates: GPS providers must offer regular updates to keep maps current.
  3. Public Awareness: Drivers should be educated about the risks of using cracked or outdated GPS maps.

Conclusion

The widespread use of uncertified and outdated GPS systems in China poses significant risks to drivers. Real-life experiences like those of Wen Yu and Chen Lin highlight the urgent need for regulatory measures and public awareness. By ensuring that GPS systems are certified and regularly updated, we can make roads safer for everyone.

For more information on the importance of certified GPS systems, you can refer to China Daily and the China Academy of Transportation Sciences.

Sources:

  1. China Daily. "Only 3% of Car GPS Systems Certified in China." China Daily.
  2. China Academy of Transportation Sciences. "Impact of Outdated GPS Systems on Road Safety." CATS.