Maybe I’m just a little old fashioned, but I still prefer maps to any electronic device. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the benefits of using technology, as well as the convenience. But it does amaze me that so many people can’t read a map, and have such poor navigation skills. And it’s astonishing how many just blindly follow GPS directions – even when they are wrong.
I’m not anti-GPS, but I do believe everyone should have a basic understanding of reading maps and navigating. This goes from reading the legend in the mall, and knowing, not only where the stores and bathrooms are, but the different ways out too, street and road maps from the phone book (If you can still find those) to Rand McNally or other road atlases, and topographical maps of any wilderness area you enter.
I’m fortunate that I learned how to read a map and navigate when I was young, and the skills were honed further when I served with the U.S. Army. These were useful when traveling in foreign countries as well. I was able to get around using maps and legends in languages I didn’t understand. (I understood just enough to get around.) But then again, I was doing all this before anyone had personal GPSs. I HAD to navigate that way if I wanted to get where I wanted to go.
Even though GPS devices are easily accessible, and many have them on their phones, learning to read a map, use a compass, and navigate the “old fashioned” way is still an important skill to have. So many people become lost using their GPSs, and what pray tell will those people do if their GPS breaks or battery dies? It is just ridiculous to put all your faith in an electronic device that isn’t always right. But that is what so many people do.
Once you become proficient at using maps, compasses, and navigating without an electronic device, it makes getting around so much easier. The awareness that is preached on many pages of this website is critical too. Paying attention and being aware helps you navigate by terrain association.
Bottom Line: Having and knowing how to use a GPS is great. But also know how to read a map, use a compass, and navigate without the GPS. It’s an important skill for many reasons. It can and will help you Stay Safe!
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