Garmin inaccuracies
 

I have just returned from a trip to russia and was using my dads garmin street pilot 111.
I found that, especially on the world map, it regularly plotted me at a point on the base map of 1mile or more off my actual position, which was a right pain, especially in towns. The only idea anyone has come up with so far is that the map datum is set wrong but I can't see that as I am not comparing it to a paper map, but the map in the unit itself.

Has anyone found similar problems/solutions?

I used to have the world map installed on my GPSmap 60CS but found it to be too inaccurate. Now it’s deleted from the device…
The roads are generalized and have little resemblance to the real world. Your dad’s GPS is probably accurate (inaccurate by no more than a 100meters) but the map lacks usable detail.

Don’t blame the map though – an accurate and detailed map of the world would need several gigabytes of storage space! What you have there is just a rough estimate of the world compiled by a desk jockey in a grey office block. Get a detailed digital map of the areas you wish to visit if you can find one. Alternatively, forget about the moving map and rather use the coordinates to correlate your position on a paper map.

Out of interest, did you just drive through the border with it in plain sight or did you stick it in your pocket?

I had it on plain sight whenever I was in the vehicle, including the numerous times I got pulled by the police. I got asked about it a couple of times and showed them a paper map and then pointed at the GPS and that seemed to keep them happy. A couple of times I also had my laptop on view as I was downloading map info to the GPS and this also didn't cause any problems, although generally I try to avoid having stuff that makes you look affluent on view as it tends to increase the rates for 'fines' etc, thats why I drive a dented old shed with a coathanger for a radio aerial!

Andy
1990 Toyota Landcruiser
Landrover 101 ambie
ford escort and morris minor traveller!