New Satnav Is Set To Take The Scenic Route..
A new approach to satnavs is en route, especially designed for vacation time.
The upcoming innovation takes a sharp turn away from planning the quickest journeys to concentrate instead on enjoyment.
Boffins at the University of Bremen in Germany and Belgium’s Hasselt University have collaborated on using artificial intelligence techniques to analyse Google Street View images of alternate routes.
These distinguish between lake, mountain and forest panoramas on the one hand and vista-obscuring hedgerows, uninspiring fields and urban sprawl on the other.
Add in the classic satnav function of comparing the available routes for a trip and the end result is software that identifies of the most scenic itinerary to follow, rather than the fastest.
This system, called Autobahn, has been road tested in Mallorca, Madeira and the French Alps.
The computer picked the most panoramic routes between locations and volunteer drivers then trialled the software’s recommendations against the alternatives.
The consensus was that the satnav got it right and delivered the best experience each time.
Most tests are now planned in further areas before the system is unleashed on to the market.
However, the idea of more sophisticated preference choices in the future satnavs is promising. Standard fastest route, avoid motorways and avoid tolls, are not enough.
After all, getting away from the cut and thrust of the highways on to the meandering delights of the byways is part of enjoying a break.
We can but hope that soothing, lilting tones are used for the ‘at the nest junction…’ voiceover.
And, if the Belgian end of the project team can programme it to find some pretty routes between their borders, then that would be a real bonus!
