 
OldmanYoung
UAE
May 30, 2009
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ME 2010 MAPS SHOULD COVER YOUR GPS NEEDS
Pros: detailed maps, al most all popular places,
Cons: the alabamas,not 100% accurrate but cant be helped
I have been urging to do a review on the Middle East 2010 maps from Garmin, and having an opportunity here, i am grabbing it by the jewels.
I live in UAE. And i am pathetic with roads. And hence, my decision to buy a GPS (Garmin Nuvi 680). I was very eager to try out the ME 2010 maps and now that i have for a few days, here is my verdict:
Basically, the ME 2010 maps should more than cover your basic GPS needs. I don't know how good are the maps for other Middle East regions, but i am here specifically talking about UAE (Dubai- Shj). There are tons and tons of landmarks, popular places, buildings, petrol stations, centers, parks, etc. You should be able to find most places that you would need to go. Or you could just tag to a place nearby to your destination.
Do not expect the maps to be 100% accurate. If you are living in Dubai, you know that even a map made yesterday can become old in the next. Digging up the place is a hobby of the government and no map provider can stay up-to-date with the mess. Today, i went near a place where the metro track constructions were going on. I routed to my home and it suggested a straight road ahead. When, in fact, that road was dug up in the construction process. But no matter, i just took a blind turn, and the GPS quickly calculated an alternate route and safely reached me to my home.
Since, roads and streets are properly named in the US and ARE used to learn directions this however, does not apply to UAE. People learn directions by remembering landmarks or popular places. Not street or road names. So when the map suggests you to take a certain road or a certain street or an exit, you will go like “Whaa??? Where?!”. Since we are so accustomed to our style of road directions, the ‘proper’ way will seem a little odd. But no matter, as long as you follow the on-screen indicator, you should be just fine. Also, it will educate you on the proper way of learning directions. The street names are pretty accurate, many a times I have looked up to spot a street sign board after being prompted by the GPS, and what do ya know, it was right there somewhere. In fact, I did not know what the street below my house was called till the GPS prompted me to look it up. Ha!
A minor annoyance is the way street names are pronounced. For example, Al Khaleej Road will be pronounced as “Alabama Khaleej Road”. Every ‘Al’ in a street name or road will be replaced with “Alabama”. It will leave you in confusion more often than not. More so because, since the voice is computer generated, and not spoken by a native person, most of the Arabic sounding names are weirdly pronounced and with “Alabama” tagging along, it creates a mayhem of confusion. But, as I said, as long as you follow on-screen indicators, you will be just fine.
What else? Oh, yes! Many times I was prompted to keep left on certain-certain road, while I knew I had to go right and that was also shown on the screen. Or maybe it was referring to on-coming road? I am not too sure.
So, in the end, the ME 2010 maps are definitely worth it. Al most all of the places are covered. If you are a tourist, it will be perfect for you. And if you cannot find a location while routing to your destination, people in the UAE aren’t so cold hearted to not help you out. If you have lived in the UAE, and are still pathetic at remembering roads, just like me, then also it will be perfect for you. Equipped with the general idea about the areas, and the GPS system, you will be an unstoppable force.
Recommend? YES
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