The personal navigation market is growing rapidly and the downloadable applications for the top-rated Apple iPhone are creating a wide array of choices for the consumer. The XRoad G-Map, the first on-board navigation application that can locate the current position and navigate to a destination without Wi-Fi and internet connection, got a jump start when they launched the very first turn-by-turn GPS navigation system for the iPhone late in 2008 to excellent reviews.

The updated Version 1.3.1 G-Map for US West and East compatible with the iPhone 3.0 was released in July with new features and fixes, such as real-time turn-by-turn route guidance, pinch in/out function for map zoom in and out, and a list of exits and intersections to the destination.

G-Map has been available in the App Store for about six months and compares very favorably to some of the other systems recently brought to market. Comparison Chart of features in G-Map vs. AT&T vs. Navigon -- download the pdf.

Comparison of Embedded vs. Network GPS Systems -- download here.

Quotes:

"The user reviews for the G-Map have been very positive," said Sean Lee, Marketing Director for XRoad GPS. "We're always keen to hear from users so we can improve our product based on their feedback."

"A key appeal to this software is the one-time fee, whereas competing mobile phone navigators from AT&T and Gokivo require $10 monthly subscriptions," says Consumer Reports.

G-Map US East and West are available for download from the iPhone App Store for a one-time cost of $34.95. The Canada version is $19.99.