Candid conversations about using GPS and wireless technology for work and fun.
Mapping vs. Navigation – What’s the Difference?
Author – Mary Beth Lowell – Communications Manager
I’ve seen quite a bit of discussion in other blogs and on customer forums about the difference between mapping services (like Google Maps) and navigation services like TeleNav GPS Navigator. Understandably, many folks are confused about why they should pay for one (TeleNav GPS Navigator) when they can get the other for free (Google Maps).
We’ve created a page on our Web site to try and help clear up this confusion and demonstrate the differences between the two. This page can be accessed here: http://www.telenav.com/about/maps-vs-navigation/ but I’ve pasted below the section on the site which directly compares the two.
Essentially, TeleNav GPS Navigator is just like a standalone navigation device (Garmin, Tom Tom, etc.) whereas mapping services are static text directions with an overview map. Using mapping services is basically like printing out directions from Mapquest. Other than the obvious difference in features, mapping services may be good for walking directions but could certainly be hard (and dangerous) to follow if you are driving.
What do you think? Does this help explain the difference between the two for you? We’d love to hear your feedback.

about 1 year ago
Great explanation of the differences between Google and TeleNav. TeleNave is by far the #1 GPS service in existence. HOWEVER…..if you add the ability to get directions directly from Outlook Contacts on a Windows Device that would be it!
about 1 year ago
Hello Bill,
That is an excellent suggestion and we’ve passed it along to our development group.
Presently, address integration is a feature in TeleNav GPS Navigator for BlackBerry handhelds but we certainly do see and understand the desire for the same functionality for Windows Mobile devices!
Regards,
The TeleNav Team