You're assuming that the smart phone has sufficient storage for all that stuff.
Using the app I mentioned we need ~5GB for the UK maps. A 32GB SD Card costs ~10GBP, so storage is not an issue even on cheap phones, but most users don't even have to worry about this.
I just wish that people would use satnavs with a modicum of scepticism and common sense especially truck drivers who follow satnavs even though the road signs say HGVs are not allowed.
I agree. But just like paper maps, this is something to assist us, not to drive us to our destination. You can't blame technology when the driver doesn't know how to use it but decides to use it anyway.
Sat navs are not perfect, but when we put live data + accurate location + good software together, we get something way better than a paper map.
Also what happens when GPS gets hacked as is highly likely in the future given how insecure things are these days. You cannot hack the map book in your glove compartment nor the road signs.
We are talking about 2 different things: maps and navigation.
The maps you have on your phone, just like paper maps, will work even if one of the "GPS" systems gets hacked.
If the GPS system is hacked or something like a solar flare fries all the satellites, then you loose the ability to know were you are (turn-by-turn navigation will not work). But the maps will work.
Anyway, if the GPS system is hacked, not knowing were to go will be the least of our worries. Planes for example... most of them use GPS.
I also think satnavs are a distraction while driving almost as great as a mobile phone.
Use the voice option then. "After 200 yards turn right". There is no need to look at the screen.
By the way, when I suggested using a smartphone instead of a dedicated sat nav, I was thinking about normal drivers. For truck drivers that need more information and special features, maybe a dedicated sat nav is the best option. For the rest of us, the small but powerful computer we already have is more than enough to drive/find toilets and places to go: