Hi-tech sat-nav

Hi-tech sat-nav is laying it on the line

New 3D technology is mapping out the future of satellite navigation.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Clever system projects line to guide drivers via head-up display.

02nd January 2008

Called Virtual Cable, the latest kit projects a guiding line above the road in front of you. By using a special head-up display (HUD), the unit replaces the traditional arrows and graphics with a simple ‘cable’ which appears suspended in mid-air.

Simply input the destination and follow the line that hovers over your route. The maker of the new gadget claims it can be retro-fitted to any vehicle without the need for modification. All that’s required is the dashboard-mounted HUD unit.

At present, the set-up is undergoing patent applications, but the manufacturer, based in New Jersey, US, hopes to have it on sale within the next year. Meanwhile, computer expert Hewlett Packard has launched hi-tech sat-nav you can use now. A powerful 600MHz processor enables the iPaq 310 to display complex 3D images, showing visual representations of all buildings – and not only landmarks – to help navigation, particularly in urban areas.

At present, only major cities are available in the new format. The unit won’t go on sale here until 2009, but in the US it starts from 0 (£226).