TOMTOM POI distances

[KAZ]

Why is there a difference between the distance shown on a POI (point of interest) when it is seen on the list to when you actually navigate to it?
e.g: on a list of pubs the list may show the nearest one being 5 miles away but when you request to navigate to it it then becomes 8 miles?

[quizman55]

Most Satnavs work out the distance from a POI etc. as a direct straight line not by a route ( basically the difference between two points on the earth's surface). So you could be 5 miles away as the crow flies, but 8 miles by road. Remember that you could use satnav in an aeroplane/helicopter where you go directly to the destination, the satnav will then just give you the most direct "route", a straight line.

[Toureman]

My Sat nav shows the nearest tescos is 3 miles away but it is a 20 mile drive to get to it as it is across the Menai straights!

[bob57]

Toureman are you sure your following the directions properly and not making up your own route as you go along lol

I have noticed that when I put a destination in to my tomtom the actual milage and time are different from when I started

[dingleberry]

the points of interests are usually found by the postcode address. however, sometimes, especially in the country, postcodes can be a few hundred yards out. Unless the person who inserts the poi gives the proper co-ordinates you cannot be completely accurate. I suggest the following site as the poi's are mostly done by co-ordinates. http://www.favourite-places.info