Do you use a paper map?

[Raz]

I'm considering replacement of our 2007 Road Atlas at the navigators suggestion. I like paper maps. But with several mapping options online as well as GPS receivers I wonder how many others still use paper maps. Perhaps like printed newspapers, they are on the way out? Just curious. Raz

[BAMA & Pachyderm Posse]

we get a new atlas every year . and a free map at every welcome center

[Kenny Strong]

Raz

Paper maps that I want to keep, I have them covered with permanent plastic, they cost allot to do this. Plastic maps that I can get at the map center cost a small fortune, I haven't tried on line. As far as the atlas, we get a new one when it is necessary.

[Imo.]

I love to use paper maps. Usually get them at state visitor centers, while looking at the other stuff that tells about that particular state. I also use an atlas, and finally conceded that I needed the large print atlas.

[accrete]

I'm a gadget guy and the designated navigator...my wife loves to drive and is good at it and i'm happy to lend a hand in the co-pilot's seat...though we do trade off mid-drive. What that means is that in the _middle_ of a day's journey when the navigator can take a rest from duties ... i drive : )

That said, since i love my gadgets...

Off Road i ditched paper after the first two seasons of comparing topo-map/compass with garmin-gps 24K topo software. The gps was easily as accurate and lots quicker than locating ourselves via map/compass.

On Road i switched from our 3" color screen handheld Garmin 60CSx-gps to 10" color screen galaxy tablet CoPilot software...both running off gps-satellite rather than cell service. The large screen is great during drives in the cockpit and much easier on my eyes.

Also to have the ability to track-back, bookmark, geo-tag etc...is great and way beyond what i ever did with pen/paper/pad & compass.

Happy Trails,
Thom

[Byron Kinnaman]

The most reliable navigation tools are paper maps and a good compass, driving or walking. A GPS is nice and convenient but not always the best when navigating in an unknown area. We always travel with paper maps and GPS. Rather than a Road Atlas we purchase state road maps for trailer travel. The GPS helps getting through cities, but is checked with paper by the on board navigator (Anne).
With paper you see much more than the small screen of the GPS or computer mapping programs. Oh! I use computer mapping at times also, but not while driving.

[Donna D.]

I don't need no stinkin' maps. I'm a woman, I don't mind stopping and asking for directions

[accrete]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I don't need no stinkin' maps. I'm a woman, I don't mind stopping and asking for directions

Well.... there are a few areas in life i let my _feminine_ side show through...
and being comfortable asking for directions is one of them.

But i do love my gadgets
So does my wife.

Thom

[KevinPete]

I love maps of all kinds, I collect old maps (mostly local), and used to work in GIS. I was on the state committee to determine standards for Wireless 911 Geolocation. I love my GPS receivers, from the little wristwatch one that just records your track, to my Trimble GeoXT that's accurate to within its own length anywhere in the world. I like to plan on paper, and always keep an atlas in the truck. When I'm backpacking, I print maps on tyvek so they don't fall apart. The GPS is a nice fallback off-road, but I love having it on-road. I've taken trips where I just put my destination in, choose "no highways", "no tolls", and "avoid traffic"; and go. Seen some very nice scenery that way, only ever had one "oops" that I had been warned about before the trip.

My office walls are covered in large maps, with framed older ones scattered through the house. I love what I can do with technology, but it's good to look at a paper map and dream a little, too.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I don't need no stinkin' maps. I'm a woman, I don't mind stopping and asking for directions

My wife is willing to ask for directions, but not to look at a map (or GPS). I have no psychological issues to prevent me from consulting whatever source of information is needed to get me where I am going - knowledge is good, guessing is unproductive.

[Brian B-P]

I think printed maps are great for an overview of a large area, and for planning before hitting the road. They're also great for backset navigators, who don't have a GPS available to them. Computer mapping is as good... if you have enough screen real estate available, and don't mind the bulk and power requirement of a computer.

A GPS, unlike any map, tells you where you are; this is certainly handy if you lose track of your location. A suitable mapping GPS for automotive use can provide good information to the driver while on the road, when a map is not safely usable. A GPS can provide turn-by-turn directions as they are needed, which of course a map can't do, although a printed set of instructions gets close.

[Jon Vermilye]

I still use paper maps, however the GPS has the advantage that it has county level maps for every county in the US (and the equivalent in Canada) which would be far too much to pack in the tow vehicle. If you do lots of long distance traveling, you can't beat a GPS (although I guarantee there will be many times you will want to!).

[Ed Harris]

They have Maps? on Paper?

Hell Yes!
I have an atlas in each car and a State Atlas for several states.

[web3221]

i have and use many topo maps, I have a garmin Colorado with topo and roads of the usa and Canada. also there is a product out there called open mobile maps that is free if I remember right - great product. still topo maps and compass is my favorite.

[carlkeigley]

I always have an atlas laid out when I "plan" a trip.
Being an ex-trucker I can head out in any direction without them.

I mark and log my route, high-light all the state parks on the map,
then go to the computer to log every Walmart, etc. along said route.
Then I print it out with addresses and phone numbers. I don't stop at
all of them, but I know when and where they come up. I use the addresses
in the GPS to drive right to them. When not relying on the GPS I still use it
on "view" to see the roads off the sides, the waterways, and especially to
see what side roads are actually dead ends.

I use both worlds. But will always be an OLD school type guy.

[steve dunham]

We have a GPS , a Road Atlas . and a large collection of state maps We use them all

[Imo.]

OK, a GPS would be good for some things...cities, interstates, and other roads. However, out in the boonies where I live the GPS could send you down a "goat trail" like it once did to a friend of mine from SD who was driving a brand new Audi. There was a better way to get to my house, better gravel road but a couple of miles longer than the goat trail which I only take in my pick-up when I want to check out what my neighbors are doing.

[carlkeigley]

I've had two very annoying bloopers with one of my GPS's.
One took me around and around and around lake roads.
Then I crossed a wooden bridge like you might see in "Deliverance."
At the other side of the bridge was a 90 degree turn and a small town.

Needless to say I had to get out the map to see where I was and how to
get out of there.

The last one took me down very long dirt farm roads.
Needless to say I was the only one on the road for some time.
My car was covered in chalky dust. I guess again it saved 50 feet in travel.

I have a new expensive model and so far it has been a peach.
Especially through metropolitans.

[theresa p]

i LOVE a paper map. i pick them up at all the state/provincial tourist offices and update each year when/if i am in the area. we do have a GPS and there have definitely been incidents where it has been terrific, like travelling on an expressway in a strange city, needing an exit and being told exactly when to turn off....but it has also taken us down some really "iffy" roads and also made us do some road changes that resulted in about a 2-second-shorter trip.
i will always prefer a "real" map.

[Mary Ann in MN]

I love the paper maps and my atlas to sit back at night and figure what route I may want to take the next day or two. I'm one that likes to get off of the interstate hwy and venture out in the hills or where ever so the paper ones are nice. I also love my GPS and my iphone and will never be without a GPS again. I guess you could say....I want it all!