Points of Interest (POI)
PerformanceAverage price
500€ - 2500€ (généralement inclus dans un pack navigation)
Points of Interest, or POIs, refer to a built-in feature in modern vehicle GPS navigation systems. It is a geolocated database listing a multitude of useful or touristic locations. These points are classified into categories such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels, parking lots, ATMs, hospitals, tourist attractions, and much more. Drivers can search for a type of service near their current position, along their route, or in a destination city. Once the POI is selected, the navigation system can automatically calculate the route to get there. This feature significantly enhances the navigation experience by making it more intuitive and contextual. Instead of having to know the exact address of a place, the user can simply search for it by name or category. The most advanced systems, connected to the internet, can even provide dynamic information such as fuel prices, parking space availability, or customer reviews for a restaurant.
Benefits
- ✓Simplification of trip planning and stops.
- ✓Easy discovery of nearby services and attractions.
- ✓Time savings by avoiding manual address searches.
- ✓Safer navigation by reducing interactions with the system or a smartphone.
Learn more
What are Points of Interest (POI) in a car?
Points of Interest, better known by the acronym POI, are an essential component of modern automotive navigation systems. They consist of a vast database integrated into the GPS mapping, which lists thousands of locations categorized by type. Instead of having to enter a complete postal address, the driver can simply search for a type of location (for example, "pharmacy" or "Italian restaurant") or the name of a specific establishment. The system then displays a list of matching POIs, usually sorted by distance, and allows navigation to the selected point to be launched with a single tap.
How do they work and what are the categories?
The operation of POIs relies on GPS coordinates associated with metadata (name, category, sometimes phone number or website). This database is stored along with the vehicle's mapping, either on an internal hard drive, an SD card, or accessed via the cloud on connected models.
The most common categories include:
- Fuel: Gas stations, sometimes including filters for brand or fuel type.
- Dining: Restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets, with filters by cuisine type.
- Accommodation: Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts.
- Shopping: Shopping malls, supermarkets, specialty stores.
- Tourism: Museums, monuments, natural parks, viewpoints.
- Services: Parking lots, ATMs, hospitals, police stations, repair shops.
The latest systems, thanks to a 4G/LTE connection, can update these lists in real time and add dynamic information such as opening hours, customer reviews, fuel prices, or parking space availability.
What is the link between POIs and performance?
Although POIs are primarily a comfort and convenience feature, they can be a valuable tool for driving and performance enthusiasts. For the passionate driver, the POI database can be used strategically:
- Finding specific fuels: Quickly locating gas stations offering high-octane fuels (98 octane, E85) is crucial for high-performance engines.
- Locating racetracks: Race tracks, go-kart tracks, and other motorsports venues are often listed as POIs, making them easy to access during track days.
- Discovering legendary roads: Some premium navigation systems, particularly in sports car brands like Porsche, integrate scenic routes or famous mountain passes renowned for driving pleasure as Points of Interest.
- Identifying specialists: Finding a brand dealership or a garage specializing in sports cars becomes quick and easy, whether for maintenance or in an emergency.
The POI functionality has evolved considerably. Initially static and limited, databases today are dynamic and enriched. The integration of voice control allows drivers to search for a POI without taking their eyes off the road, thereby improving safety. Furthermore, synchronization with mobile apps makes it possible to plan a route and stops in advance on a smartphone and send them directly to the car's navigation system. This interconnectivity transforms a simple GPS into a true personal travel assistant, capable of adapting to the driver's needs and desires in real time.
Associated equipment
Multimedia Touchscreen
The multimedia touchscreen, also known as the infotainment system or Human-Machine Interface (HMI), serves as the digital command center in modern vehicles. Positioned in the center of the dashboard, it replaces numerous physical buttons to provide a centralized and interactive graphical interface. Its primary functions include GPS navigation with real-time traffic information, audio source management (DAB+ radio, Bluetooth streaming, USB), and advanced smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, it allows control of essential vehicle settings such as climate control, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), drive modes, and ambient lighting. Technology has evolved from small resistive screens to large, high-resolution capacitive panels (LCD or OLED), offering responsiveness and image quality worthy of high-end tablets. Processing power, provided by high-performance processors, is crucial to ensuring a fluid interface. Today, ergonomics (UX) and interface design (UI) are major differentiators, directly influencing the driving experience and the vehicle's perception of modernity.
Real-Time Traffic Navigation
Real-time traffic navigation is an advanced GPS guidance system that integrates live traffic conditions to optimize routes. Unlike traditional GPS systems based on static map data, this system uses a data connection (via an integrated SIM card or connected smartphone) to continuously receive information on traffic jams, accidents, roadwork, and other disruptions. By analyzing this data, the algorithm dynamically recalculates the proposed route to suggest faster and smoother alternatives. It also provides a much more accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) by taking current conditions into account. This technology relies on various sources, including anonymized data from other vehicles (crowdsourcing), road sensors, and official traffic information services. It transforms the navigation system from a simple map guide into a true proactive driving assistant, capable of saving valuable time and reducing the stress of unexpected road events. Today, it is a key feature of modern infotainment and connectivity packages.
Europe Navigation
Europe navigation is an integrated feature of a vehicle's GPS navigation system, providing detailed map coverage of the entire European continent. Unlike mobile applications, this embedded system offers consistent reliability regardless of network connectivity, which is crucial during cross-border trips or in areas with poor mobile coverage. It includes not only the complete road network (motorways, national and local roads), but also an exhaustive database of points of interest (POI) such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels, parking lots, and increasingly, electric vehicle charging stations. Modern systems often incorporate real-time traffic data, country-specific speed limits, and 3D views of buildings and terrain for better orientation. Europe navigation is a major asset for long-distance drivers, traveling professionals, and vacationers, ensuring optimized routes, increased safety, and peace of mind. Regular updates, whether manual (via USB) or automatic (Over-The-Air), are essential to maintain data relevance and accuracy.
GPS Navigation System
The GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation system is an essential in-car technology integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system. It uses a network of satellites to triangulate the exact position of the car in real time. This data is then superimposed onto a map database, stored locally (hard drive, SD card) or increasingly in the cloud, to display the position on a digital map. The interface, via the central screen, offers visual and voice 'turn-by-turn' guidance. Modern systems go far beyond simple routing by integrating real-time traffic information via an internet connection (4G/5G) to suggest optimized routes and avoid traffic jams. They are enhanced with millions of points of interest (POIs), including gas stations, restaurants, and electric vehicle charging stations. A key advantage over smartphones is 'dead reckoning': in areas without a satellite signal such as tunnels, the system continues guidance using the vehicle's speed and gyroscopic sensors, guaranteeing unmatched service continuity. Deep integration also allows instructions to be displayed on the instrument cluster or head-up display, improving safety.
Advanced Voice Control
Advanced voice control is a next-generation human-machine interface (HMI) that revolutionizes the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP), it enables the control of multiple functions through fluid, conversational voice commands. Unlike traditional systems that require precise phrasing, this technology understands context, intent, and synonyms. For example, saying "I'm cold" is enough for the system to raise the temperature. Connected to the cloud, it benefits from continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote computing power, enabling it to process complex requests and learn user habits. Sophisticated microphone arrays (beamforming) ensure reliable voice recognition by canceling ambient noise. Beyond infotainment (navigation, media), it manages comfort features (climate control, massaging seats, lighting) and certain vehicle parameters. It is a key safety element, reducing visual and cognitive distraction by allowing the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.