[VWBigRob]

I am checking to see if any member has added the after-market GPS software to activate the navigation function on the Atlas entertainment system. Didn't realize the model we chose did have it at the time of purchase. Our dealer says the necessary equipment is in the vehicle, and there is 3rd party software download purchase and installation that will activate it but the dealerships aren't allowed to do it.

 

[ShinerTx]

I have not heard of this after-market GPS software. Apple Maps works great with Apple Carplay for me and a GPS app with Android Auto should work sufficient also.

 

[Simeon]

Yeah I'm not sure why you wouldn't just go the route of utilizing the pre built gps software on your phone and syncing it up to the truck. Seeing as how you can use either Android or Apple, you already have a free alternative.

 

[200JC]

I just bought my Atlas SELa week ago and i love it and I don't have Factory nav, but I have a Iphone 10 and when I plug up the usb cable to the radio system the Apple Car apps come up and it was really good. The maps is pretty cool too due to the newer style display on the radio. The maps actually fill up the entire box and it has the voice prompts and is working Great so far. Of course you can do what you want but I would spend the money on something else but it could possible that you don't have a smart phone that would work but I too have not heard of any new 3 rd party software for nav. Good Luck.

 

[paulp10]

New to the forum. I was wondering if you ever found any more information on adding/activating the GPS function in the Atlas? I have the sel. So I thought maybe that trim level might come with it just not activated. If you have any links or info I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[KarstGeo]

I can't even believe anyone offers dedicated proprietary nav anymore in cars with Android Auto/Apple Car Play.

 

[paulp10]

Yeah the proprietary navigation systems that all manufacturers offer is off the rails in price. Just crazy stupid expensive. Then there are the updates for those systems that are really expensive too. Especially when you can buy a portable gps with lifetime maps and traffic for 150 bucks or so. Or like you said use apple car play. I'm not much on having to turn on siri though to get it to work. But I did. It works great. But if there was an alternative to activate the on board gps in the atlas I would sure look into that.

 

[STHEONE]

I can't even believe anyone offers dedicated proprietary nav anymore in cars with Android Auto/Apple Car Play.

For BMW, Audi and other brands that comes with HUD (Head-Up Display), right now only the proprietary nav is compatible to project detailed route info to the HUD. This case it makes sense. For VW, you can put the map on your digital dash if you got one, it can help familiarize with the road or can be handy when you are in a new place.

Also, for now, Android Auto and CarPlay can only use the phone's GPS. In downtown of the cities the signal can be very weak and the positioning is not accurate enough. The phone's map cannot tell which direction you are heading if you're stopped. This issue can be very annoying navigating around the city's roads.

For roadtrips and adventures, sometimes you will go through places without any cellular service. Car's GPS is a lot more reliable if you update the map frequent enough. Phone can keep navigation going but search for new POIs are crippled.

Other than these cases, I will always prefer Google Maps.