A map data processing unit includes a batch update section and dynamic
update section. A type of update data fed from an update data input
section is decided using header information. If the update data is route
search data, the batch update section collectively updates all the map
data to latest version map data according to the update data from the
update data input section. If the update data is not the route search
data, the dynamic update section updates the map data to the latest
version map data according to the update data every time the map data
becomes necessary. Thus performing the collective or dynamic update
according to the type of the update data enables the update to the latest
map data without affecting the operation speed of a navigation function,
with minimizing the time precluding the use of the navigation function.