Taking the direct route.The latest data updates for Audi navigation systems.

On the whole, the map data used in Audi navigation systems is supplied by Navteq and Tele-Atlas. These companies collect and update data by driving the individual routes at regular intervals. This approach ensures that any changes are recorded and documented and old map data is duly updated.

To kick-start the process, the providers collect information from various administrative offices about changes to roads before actually taking to the road themselves at specific intervals. Driving the routes allows detailed information, such as speed limits, roundabouts, one-way streets, diversions etc., to be collected. Audi sets extremely stringent criteria and requirements for the map data it offers: For instance, POIs cannot be older than three years, road signs and speed limits must be included and the maps must be in 3D format where possible.

Once Audi has received the raw data from the providers, the data is checked again by employees in the Technical Development and Quality Assurance departments. One of the tests performed includes driving routes that have been defined previously. The employees also test whether the data is compatible with every model and electronics system. These tests ensure that the quality of the map data is consistent with our premium promise and also guarantees functionality.

It takes a few months for a new street to be integrated into an update. Collecting and processing data for hundreds of thousands of kilometres of roads across the whole of Europe is an incredibly complex process.

In contrast to CD or DVD-based navigation systems, customers do not receive a data medium; instead, they receive an activation document. The software is then updated by Audi Partners and the up-to-date map data is simply installed and activated.

The volume of navigation data provided dictates how long the update process will take. Contact your Audi Partner about this. The ideal scenario would be to combine the navigation system update with your next service event.

One of the reasons that Audi Partners perform the update is the need for more storage capacity for the detailed navigation data. In the past, a CD or DVD was sufficient to hold all of this data; however, the current data set for the MMI navigation plus with hard drive is around 23 gigabytes.

One of the reasons behind this is the extensive navigation data containing detailed off-road models. This data offers improved guidance options for drivers. What's more, there are approximately 140 3D city models as well as over 1,700,000 POIs to help you find your destination more easily. This magnitude of data simply does not fit on one CD or DVD.

A preparation for the navigation system is offered for the A1. In this instance, two activations are required – one for the navigation function and one for the navigation data. The SD card for the navigation system remains in the vehicle.

The RNS-E navigation system provides warning information regarding speed limits on roads. The speed information stored in the map data is displayed on the navigation system screen as a warning symbol. This information helps drivers to effectively adjust their speed to the relevant limit.

When map data is updated, it's not just new streets and roundabouts that are added; all the roads are assessed and any duplicate entries are removed too. Routes that were previously recorded as an outward and return journey are now included as one journey in the kilometre count. As a result, the kilometre count may be lower after the restructuring process than the count from the previous navigation version. The restructuring process has also affected the number of POIs: Previously, petrol stations with a cash machine, shop, drinks shop and workshop were all categorised as five different POIs. These categories have now been combined as one POI as part of the restructuring process. The information contained within the POIs remains the same and will be displayed as normal. This extensive restructuring process benefits users, as it allows the navigation system to respond quicker thanks to the reduced data volume.