I often drive with the compass displayed, when I don't need the sat nav. Not for any real reason ... I just like how it looks. The colours match the dash lighting better than the sat nav display does.
I've used the compass display mode like that for years, though admittedly I found it by accident.
Usefully though, as well as an indication of general direction, it provides coordinates, should you ever need to give someone your precise location.
... which reminds me: Does anyone else use the coordinate input of their RNS-D to navigate, or am I the only coordinate geek?
Navigating by coordinates is far far more accurate that navigating by post code or address. Here's what I do:
- Find the precise location on Google Maps/street (by postcode or whatever).
- On the map view (not street view), right click the exact spot and select "What's here?".
- A pop-up dialogue appears, displaying the address and coordinates underneath (eg: 54.528970, -1.359761).
- Convert the coordinates into the format used by the RNS-D.
You can either do the maths and convert the coordinates manually or, a quicker way, use
http://www.nearby.org.uk
Copy and paste the coordinates from Google Maps into the box at the top of the page, click 'Go' and scroll down for the result. Under 'Copyable' you want the fourth box down, in this example: 54:31:44.292N 1:21:35.140W
Round off the last 2 digits for the RNS-D: 54:31:44.3N 1:21:35.1W
Of course it's not a very practical way to navigate for unplanned routes/detours, but if you're able to plan a journey in advance it's a great way to ensure you're guided right to the door.