Evolution of Automobile Navigation in Japan

Robert L. French

Abstract:	As in the United States and Europe, the development of automobile navigation systems in Japan has been spurred by their role in IVHS (Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems). However, commercial development and marketing of automobile navigation systems has been pursued far more vigorously in Japan even though (like the United States and Europe) IVHS communication links are not yet in place for providing real-time traffic information to in-vehicle units. As a result, some one-half million autono- mous systems have already been sold in Japan. Most of these systems were sold as fac- tory-installed equipment in top model automobiles, and -w are integrated with entertainment features such as AM- FM, tape cassette, CD, and color TV. Virtually all of the systems use dead reckoning with map matching, and the majority of the new models incorporate GPS satellite receivers as well. sup- erimposition of present car location and destination on a map display is the most common format for presenting navi- gation information to the driver. How- ever, a few of the most recent systems also offer route guidance features. This paper outlines goals of government programs for IVHS infrastructure sup- port and other important factors that have contributed to this burgeoning private-sector business activity in Japan. It then traces the development of automobile navigation through sev- eral generations in Japan and describes examples of state-of-the-art systems.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993) June 21 - 23, 1993 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	69 - 74
Cite this article:	French, Robert L., "Evolution of Automobile Navigation in Japan," Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993), Cambridge, MA, June 1993, pp. 69-74.
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