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Usually, maps of any GPS don’t really get updated unless you’re willing to pay upwards of a $100 just for one measly map update that you might not even use. Dubbed Fresh Maps, this is the first GPS company to actually offer a map updating subscription service. With this new service, Navigon will be offering around 12 map updates over a 3 year period, all for only $79. Only problem is, this service will only work with a few of Navigon’s GPS units such as the 7100, 5100, and the 2100/2120 Max series.

Andreas Hecht, Navigon President in North America, had this to say about this new service:

“Industry figures suggest the road network changes 15 to 20 percent annually. POI data is even more turbulent. FreshMaps is designed to provide users peace of mind by giving them regular access to quality map and POI updates,” said Andreas Hecht, NAVIGON’s President for the Americas. “FreshMap updates are field-verified, road-tested, and quality-controlled at the source. NAVIGON’s solution is to provide our customers what they want: regular, quality map updates that are easy to access.”

This Fresh Maps service is optional, when purchasing a Navigon GPS, you will be given the choice of whether or not this something you want or need. I would say, if you plan to keep a GPS for a good three years or so, then I would definitely recommend getting this service. Based on what Hecht was saying, maps and POI’s change 15-20% yearly, based on that it would be important to be kept up to date, and this service is the best way to accomplish that.

Garmin and TomTom use a similar service called MapShare, but this service often delivers maps that aren’t of the best quality because they aren’t really user trusted maps. On the other hand, Navigon only offers trusted, verified, and of high quality map updates. Expect this service to be available in April.

Via [GPS Review]