Toyota introduces Map on Demand

Toyota Motor Corp. introduced a technology that uses cell phone networks to automatically update the maps used in its car navigation systems.

Instead of bringing the car into the dealership for updates, the new Map on Demand will update itself each time the navigation system is updated.

Start the machine and it will check for map changes within an 80km (50mi) radius of a location designated by the car owner.

Map on Demand will be available in new navigation systems due out this spring.

Question: How often do people need these navigation systems to get to work and back, to the store and back, to school and back, to church and back?

Perhaps rental cars is where they should be installed. How often does anyone else really need them?

What do you think?