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Signal loss is only brief and temporary...actually, it happens rarely.
Cell phone cut outs happen, esp depending upon service provider.
As for maps in one's GPS: the local/local is sometimes not so accurate, esp with older map loads.
I rec'd buying a paper county(s) map at the first 7-11 type gas and go, for a better sense of 'where you are' vs just following a line route on a screen.
I haven't had any problems with the GPS built in to my Honda; and I needed it when first moving here 13 yrs. ago because I was a Realtor. It was invaluable to me learning the 'territory'. The only issue I ever had with it is the "undisclosed roads" (that is, the little dots that go off in various directions). I learned the meaning of undisclosed is because those are private roads, or unnamed dirt roads or wide paths that show up on the satellite mapping system.
Otherwise, I love it !
If you are heading to Charlotte you will be on the major highways, so nothing to be concerned about. It's worth its weight in gold (except out in remote areas, which those roads aren't on the maps anyhow).
If you are considering traveling through the country, the best map available (imo) is the spiral bound Motor Carrier's Map book which you can buy at any truck stop. Flying J etc.; and if you are coming here down Rt. 81 (which I hope is what you will do, it's a beautiful drive) there are several good truck stops along that route.
Enjoy the trip! Don't forget to wave as you go through the towns of our CD posters.
You all made this trip a little easier for my wife and I. In so glad I found this web site. The information you all give is so valuable to us. Also I learn a lot from reading other peoples posts. This is hopefully an exploration that will lead to the next chapter of our lives. We plan to do lots of driving through the towns that surround Asheville that are 30-45 minutes away. We don't want to live in Asheville but still be close enough to enjoy it. All the surrounding towns look great. Bags are packed. Counting down the hours till take off. Thank you all.
I have an inexpensive Garmin Nuvi and it works well, to my surprise. Years ago I paid over $300 for a GPS, but now they're cheap because so many people have Smart Phones and built-in navigation systems in their cars. Sometimes I find that, once I know where I'm going, I know a better route, but it always gets me out of a jam. In Feb I stayed in a subdivision in Lake Lure that was mostly gravel trails and was amazed it found my cabin after driving up a very steep trail. Then I drove to Franklin in March through towns like Chimney Rock and Gerton across to the Smoky Mountains through Waynesville and Sylva, and was led right to the villa I rented. Last week I drove to/from Gowensville near Landrum SC from Franklin and drove through Hendersonville and I never lost the satellite signal. I don't know how it would work in the higher elevations, however.
And, if you have a smart phone, I find GOOG Maps and GOOG maps Navigator works as well or better than many GPS units; handy for the copilot to use, imo.
GL, mD
GPS is satellite based. Mountains have no affect on the signal unless you are under one in a tunnel.
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