From the Book
Key road navigation terms explained
The process of recognising what is likely to happen ahead and preparing for it in advance, particularly at junctions and changes in traffic flow.
A satnav feature that recalculates a new route when a wrong turning is taken or when traffic or road conditions change.
Choosing or accepting an alternative route to reduce delay caused by traffic, roadworks, or other disruptions.
A satnav feature indicating how close the next junction is. Some systems show distance in yards, while others use a disappearing three-bar countdown.
Checking that the correct address or postcode has been entered before starting a journey.
A brief review of the route before starting to build a mental picture of the journey.
A satnav system built into the vehicle and integrated with its controls.
Large Goods Vehicles requiring special navigation awareness due to size and road restrictions.
Looking well ahead to identify signs, junctions, and traffic conditions.
A system for planning routes with several destinations.
A visual indicator showing the direction of the next manoeuvre.
The satnav display focused on the immediate road ahead.
The level of driving involving immediate control and hazard awareness.
A wider map display showing the general route and direction.
Placing the vehicle correctly for a manoeuvre.
Examining the journey before starting.
An electronic system providing route guidance using satellite positioning.
Focusing on the immediate road environment near a junction.
The structured framework of preparation and observation stages.
Breaking a journey into manageable sections.
The planning stage before the journey.
Preparing for upcoming manoeuvres.
Step-by-step navigation instructions.
An intermediate point used to guide a route.
Adjusting the map scale to show more or less detail.
This glossary is taken from Road Navigation: The Principles Explained by R T Scanlon. The book contains full explanations of all these terms in context.