Route Calculation

After entering the destination the route is always calculated and updated in the COMAND operating, display and control module (A40/3) by the navigation processor. It can only be calculated within the digitized map areas. Calculation of the route is the prerequisite for the guidance feature.

Route calculation, function
The navigation processor calculates the route to be driven on the basis of the destination entered with the aid of the CD-ROM map data, the destination entered and the current position. During calculation it takes into consideration the roads available on the CD-ROM map as well as their attributes such as one-way streets, turning prohibitions and street intersections, ... (to extent present). The operator can moreover establish the way the route should be calculated:
- Fastest route
- Short route
- Dynamic route (only with code 815)
- Own settings

When the "Dynamic Route" feature is selected traffic messages received by radio (FM/RDS or cellular telephone D-network) are stored in the traffic data memory integrated into the COMAND operating, display and control module (A40/3) and automatically taken into consideration in calculating the route. The route is then calculated for optimum time similar to the option "fastest route". A message is output that the route has been recalculated taking traffic messages into consideration. The "Dynamic Route" feature is presently available only for freeways (status 3/99).

With the function "Own selection" the following route sections can be excluded from the route calculation:

- FREEWAYS, FERRIES, TOLL ROADS

Following route calculation the navigation processor makes up a list of the streets and intersections along the route. This route list is used for guidance. It can be displayed with the menu "Info".

Route updating
If the driver deviates from the calculated route, the navigation processor (A40/3n2) calculates a new route list. The current position and the driving direction are considered and the new route is optimized correspondingly. The message "New route" appears on the display ("NEW RTE" appears in the instrument cluster (A1)).

Driving outside of digitalized map area
If the vehicle leaves the digitalized CD-ROM map area (e.g. driving in a parking building) it is not possible to calculate or update a route. "OFF ROAD" then appears on the display. When the vehicle is outside of the map boundaries (e.g. driving in foreign country) "NO MAP" appears on the display. Destinations outside of the digitized map area cannot be considered when calculating the route.

Driving around traffic jams with the function button "Detour"
When a traffic jam is announced by the traffic station a route which avoids driving through the traffic jam can be calculated before reaching the affected section. For this purpose press the "Detour" button and either:

- Enter length of traffic jam including the distance to the start of the traffic jam or and either
- Delete the corresponding road section in the detailed route list.

In contrast to the "Dynamic guidance" feature, the "Detour" feature is also available for federal and state highways as well as in the intercity area.